NCC Considers MTN’s Plea For Leniency On N1.04tn Fine

The Nigerian Communications Commission has said it is looking into a plea for leniency made by MTN Nigeria Communications Limited on the fine of N1.04tn imposed on the company for its failure to disconnect 5.2 million unregistered subscribers.



In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, the regulatory agency hinted that the consideration of the plea had affected the deadline for the payment of the fine, which expired on Monday.

Ojobo said MTN, along with other mobile operators, had been fined in August for a similar offence, adding that while the other operators decided to comply, MTN remained recalcitrant.
He added that the fine was the last resort since other avenues employed by the regulatory agency had failed.

Ojobo said, “The fine of N1.04tn on MTN Nigeria by the NCC was done in the interest of the public, which has been at the receiving end of security challenges.


Consequent upon the overwhelming evidence of non-compliance and obvious disregard for the rule of engagement by MTN, the NCC had no choice but to impose the sanctions.

“MTN, in a letter of November 2, 2015, admitted the infraction and pleaded for leniency. The commission has acknowledged this and is looking into the plea without any prejudice to the fine. The fine remains but the appeal and other engagements with MTN may affect the payment deadline.

“The fine that was imposed on MTN was the second within two months after the operators were given a seven-day ultimatum to deactivate all unregistered and improperly registered SIM cards. While others complied, MTN did not.”