Buhari Has Final Say on MTN Fine- Shittu

The Presidency has reiterated it is not considering reducing the N1 trillion fine slammed on MTN Nigeria for violating an order by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to deactivate 5.4 million subscribers for not meeting up with the SIM registration standards.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communication, disclosed that, after series of meeting between the Nigerian authorities and MTN, the onus now lies with President Muhammadu to take decision on the matter.

Shittu, however, added that NCC’s decision was in line with the regulatory standards and policies and will serve as deterrent to other operators.

The minister faulted those who accused the government of lacking understanding on the implications of the fine, saying, “It is about making sure that Nigerians appreciate the fact, the era of impunity is over. Questions need be asked for every infractions and we need to be fair when and where necessarily. I need to repeat this: nobody wants MTN to die. It is not in the interest of Nigeria for MTN to die, because as far as I am concerned, MTN Nigeria is a Nigerian company, though it comes from South Africa. The Chairman, the CEO and top executives are Nigerian “shareholders”.

“What I will suggest is that, to make MTN more Nigeria’s they need to go PLC; open their doors and shareholding base to all Nigerians so there will be more acceptability. MTN has made great strides, literally, opened our eyes to benefits in telecommunications. So, MTN is part and parcel of the Nigerian dream. Again, there are thousands of Nigerians who earn their daily living through MTN. More importantly, for instance, I am a subscriber to MTN since the inception in Nigeria and I do not want to dispose my line, so we don’t want MTN to die.

“It is like a parent whose child offends the law, if you spare the rod, you spoil the child. MTN is not operator in Nigeria; if you do not punish one for the infractions, then you give a signal to other operators to disobey the law and regulations.

“I pray that issue will be solved by Mr. President to the best interest of Nigeria”.

On Nigeria Governors’ Forum recent position that MTN must pay the fine in full, he said, “The President will take the best decision. It is his responsibility and in his wisdom he will do what is right. Whether Governors take decision or not, laws are have been established to deal with these issues. If a court gives a judgement on any matter, of course, the court’s decision is valid, whether a party involved in the case likes it or not.

“Of course, if you go on appeal in some cases, the authority to which you appeal may decide to review the earlier judgement. Until that is done, the judgment remains. NCC’s position with regards to fees to be paid remains valid”.