MTN Withdraws Suit Against Nigerian Communications Commission, Pays 50 Billion Naira

MTN has withdrawn its suit against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and paid N50 billion towards an amicable resolution of the fine imposed on the telecoms giant.

MTN office

 According to a report on The Cable, telecommunications giant, MTN, has withdrawn its suit against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and paid N50 billion towards an amicable resolution of the fine imposed on the telecoms giant. 

 It can be recalled that NCC fined MTN N1.04 trillion for failing to deactivate 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards and later reduced the amount to N780 billion after the first round of negotiations. However, MTN filed a suit as the December 31, 2015 deadline drew near, and later requested an out-of-court settlement. 

 At the federal high court in Lagos on Wednesday, the telecoms company withdrew the case in response to a request by the Nigerian authorities. The CEO of MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, said on the withdrawal: 

 

"This is a most encouraging development. It demonstrates a willingness and sincerity by both parties to work together towards a positive outcome."  MTN paid N50 billion to the federal government as a gesture of good faith and commitment to continued efforts towards an amicable resolution," according to the telecoms company."

Moolman further said: "We are hopeful at this stage. Along with the authorities, it is clear that we are collectively committed to working towards a solution that is of mutual benefit to all parties. Our industry in Nigeria is an incredibly important example of the remarkable progress in ICT particularly as a much needed catalyst for socio-economic growth and development at this time."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)