The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered telecommunication giant, MTN to pay the N780 billion fine imposed on it for failing to delist 5.2 million improperly registered or unregistered SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) cards as directed by the body.
Recall that the fine was initially pegged at N1.04 trillion but was reduced to the current rate, which is a 25 percent reduction, after series of negotiations between the NCC and MTN Group and with the express intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari.
NCC has also put up a five-man team of senior lawyers to combat a suit filed by MTN challenging the regulatory body’s decision to impose the fine.
The commission challenged the company’s decision to file the suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, with the argument that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos.
The body is saying that the Federal HIGH Court in Abuja should be hearing the case.
Meanwhile, the regulatory body has stated that the legal tussle between it and MTN does not amount to a nullification of the fine or a stay of action, insisting that the company must pay the fine by the December 31st deadline that had already been set
According to a top official of NCC who pleaded anonymity, “The fact that MTN has gone to court does not amount to a stay of the fine. We have not got any order restraining the Federal Government from collecting the fine.
“An application before a court does not amount to the nullification of the sanction or a stay of action.”