Photo by: Bloomberg
Telecommunications giant MTN Holdings said on Friday that it had instructed its lawyers to proceed with an action in the High Court in Lagos to challenge the large fine imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The fine – originally for the equivalent of $5.2-billion, but reduced to around $3.9-billion earlier this month – was levied over MTN Nigeria’s alleged failure to deactivate 5.2-million unregistered cellphone SIM cards by an August deadline.
A statement from MTN said the company had “thoroughly and carefully considered” the matter, including a review of the circumstances leading to the fine and letters received from the NCC, and had “resolved that the manner of the imposition of the fine and the quantum thereof is not in accordance with the NCC’s powers”.
Noting certain limitations on action in line with the lis pendens rule – pending legal action – MTN added that it would continue to engage with the Nigerian Authorities to try to reach an amicable resolution that was in the best interests of all parties.