NCC Expresses Readiness For Talks With MTN Over N1.04trn Fine

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has announced the readiness of the commission to begin discussions with MTN following an out-of-court settlement sought by the company over the N1.04trn fine it got for failing to deactivate 5.1 million unregistered subscribers.

Danbatta, who made this disclosure in Lagos yesterday in his first world press conference, explained that the NCC’s lawyers on Tuesday evening officially informed the management about the decision of the judge handling the suit instituted by MTN against NCC, Justice Mohammed Idris to grant both parties 60 days leave to discuss for an out-of-court settlement.

This is coming after the Minister of Communications; Barr Adebayo Shittu had earlier this week issued a statement saying he is not aware of any out-of-the-court settlement plan. He then charged MTN to withdraw its case against the NCC from the court if it wants to discuss with the regulator, saying: “If they withdraw it, it creates a better environment, an environment where there is no stress or pressure on either side.”

But speaking yesterday, Danbatta said: “I have been reliably informed by our counsel handling case that MTN wants to resolve this matter out of court.

“Our lawyers, yesterday evening, informed us through a letter that the MTN wants to settle out of court. The intention is not to kill MTN. We would like the industry to continue. We would like it to be vibrant and I think this is a matter that needs to be resolved amicably and we are working towards that,” he stated.