The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the controversy and implications of fine imposed on the largest telecoms firm, MTN Nigeria.
The lawmakers also said the process leading to the reduction of the N1.040 trillion fine by the federal government was not satisfactory.
The House Standing Committee on Communications said the process was flawed on the grounds that the National Assembly that is constitutionally saddled with the power of the purse was excluded from being part of the process.
Besides, the committee regretted that the fine and the accompanying error in its multiple reductions has dealt a huge blow to the country’s image among the comity of nations, with uncomplimentary remarks about the error at international fora.
The committee also expressed reservations about the N6.2 billion budgeted for Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration out of which it has spent about N3.5 billion.
It was mandated by the House to investigate the current impasse in the telecommunication sector.
On the erroneous fine reductuon, Chairman of the Committee Saheed Fijabi (APC, Oyo) said it was an embarrassment to Nigeria.
-Leadership
