Mtn Nigeria must pay fine - Governors

MTN's pleas for leniency following a hefty fine
in the country have suffered another setback after
the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) insisted the
company pays the penalty.
The governors body argued the Nigeria
Communications Commission's decision to impose
the record N1,04 trillion (US$5,2 billion) was justified.
NGF disclosed its position in a communique issued at
the end of its meeting in Abuja.
The governors also called on the Federal Government
to expedite action in compelling the MTN to pay the
fine.
The forum commended the regulatory agency for its
strict compliance and enforcement of the law with
regards to the fine issued to MTN and advised the
Federal Government to ensure prompt and full
payment.
“Hence the MTN has accepted that they committed
the offense and has apologized and they are looking
for leniency," read the communiqué signed by NGF
Chairman and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz
Yari.
"We, the governors forum decided to support the NCC
to abide by the laws of the land and the laws of our
land do not give leniency to deliberate offence to our
nation."
NCC recently fined MTN for failure to meet a deadline
to disconnect 5,2 million unregistered subscribers.
Following the fine imposed on the firm, its Chief
Executive Officer Sifiso Dabengwa announced his
resignation last week.
The network operator records show has already lost
about 24 percent of their share value since the fine
was made public.
Appeals for a reduction of the fine have been
unsuccessful.