Why We Slashed MTN's N1.04 trillion Fine - NCC

LAGOS — The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has revealed the reason behind its decision to slash the N1.04 trillion fine it slammed on MTN Nigeria last month to N764 billion, stating that it was done in a bid to ensure the stability of the telecom industry.

According to a Vanguard report, the commission said it weighed all pros and cons and arrived at a decision it considered favourable to all concerned.

Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, said after considering the operator’s admission of guilt, huge investment in the country, the large subscriber base and Nigeria being its largest market, the decision to arrive at the reduction was not too difficult.

According to Ojobo, “MTN wrote the commission, acknowledged that there has been an infraction and are now pleading for leniency. In the past we have also had people plead for leniency on their sanctions.

“At that time, of course the NCC board has not been constituted, no minister, the authority of the president was required for such a decision to be taken in the absence of the minister, and so the commission had to notify the presidency.

“The stakeholders looked at it with all the pros and cons and reduced the fine by 25 per cent. We are aware and conscious of the level of investment MTN has made in this market; they have the largest number of subscribers, it is also important to know that Nigeria remains their biggest market. We have taken all into considerations, and that was what even informed the discussion in the first place. Weighing all of these issues, is why this action has been taken”.

Source: Vanguard Newspaper