Nigerian Governors Say MTN Must Pay N1.4 Trillion Fine

Nigerian governors have expressed support for the N1.4trillion fine slammed on MTN by the Nigerian Communications Commissions.

Abdulazeez Yari, Chairman of the NGF

 

Nigerian governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have declared that the MTN must pay the $5.2 billion (N1.4 trillion) fine slammed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for failing to disconnect subscribers with unregistered SIM cards bought before January 2012.

ThisDay reports that the governors who met at the Old Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja late Wednesday night threw their weight behind the NCC. They also lauded the NCC for its strict compliance and enforcement of the law regulating the telecommunication sector.

NGF Chairman and Zamfara State Governor, Abdul'aziz Yari told journalists after the meeting that the forum received a comprehensive brief on the development from the NCC Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta.

Yari said the governors' forum assured Danbatta of collaboration with a view to strengthening the nation's telecommunication industry.

"The forum also commended the NCC for its strict compliance and enforcement of the law with regards to the fine issued to MTN and advised the Federal Government to ensure prompt and full payment", Yari stated.

The 36 states governors commended the NCC for its strict enforcement of the law in its regulation of the telecom sector, and encouraged the commission to go ahead with its strict regulatory duties without any fear or favour. They also insisted that that MTN must pay up in full.

He said the NGF also resolved to meet with stakeholders to articulate a robust strategy aimed at addressing issues affecting the economy of the country.

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