The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has explained that the ban on regulatory services which it placed on MTN Nigeria, but it lifted on Tuesday, was not related to the N1.04 trillion fine the commission imposed on the company.
Mr Tony Ojobo, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, explained in a statement Wednesday that the lifted ban was a consequence of several other regulatory infractions which predated the fine.
The statement said the letter lifting the suspension of regulatory services to MTN, signed by Mr Efosa Idehen and Mrs Yetunde Akinloye, respectively the Heads, Compliance, Monitoring/Enforcement and Legal & Regulatory Services, specifically stated that the lifting of the suspension is as a result of several letters from MTN to the NCC requesting it.
According to the statement, the letter reads in part, “We have reviewed MTN’s plea and also took into consideration the fact that it has abated all the infractions that gave rise to the suspension of its regulatory services by the commission.”
It said that the infractions included but are not limited to tariffs and promotions by MTN in letters from the NCC dated May 4, 2015; May 9, 2015, and May 25, 2015 to withdraw unapproved tariffs and promotions, specifically MTN Trutalk, MTN Best II promotions, among others.
“Having reviewed MTN’s plea therefore and in consideration that the operator has abated all the infractions listed above, the NCC hereby lifts the suspension, urging MTN to ensure that it maintains good regulatory standing with the commission at all times to avoid future occurrence.
“In lifting the suspension of regulatory services to MTN, the commission expects total compliance with the NCA 2003, Regulations and the Terms and Conditions of Licences issued to MTN, and will not hesitate to impose the necessary sanctions where MTN flouts any provision of the foregoing regulatory instruments,” it added.
-Leadership
