By Ojonugwa Felix Ugboja
A high power delegation from multinational mobile telecommunications company, MTN paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday.
The delegation made up of Pascal Dozie, Chairman, MTN Nigeria; Phuthuma Nhleko, Executive Chairman of Board of Directors of MTN Group; Rob Shuter, CEO and President of MTN Group; Rtd Colonel Sani Bello, Vice Chairman, MTN Nigeria; Chief Victor Odili, Director, MTN Nigeria; and Ferdinand Moolman, CEO MTN Nigeria were received by the NCC Executive Vice Chairman Umar Garba Danbatta at the commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
While speaking at the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Board of Directors of MTN Group, Phuthuma Nhleko who was visiting from South Africa stated that the courtesy visit was to highlight the need for continuous partnership and engagement with the regulatory agency.
He said: ‘’we are here because of the need to have a first-hand experience of our investment environment in Nigeria. Nigeria is very important to us because it is one of our biggest markets and we appreciate the support and partnership we have developed with the NCC over the years.’’
Mr Nhleko also said that they were honoured to be part of the Nigerian story and are looking forward to a greater future.
Mr Nhleko mentioned that they were also visiting to discuss matters that have to do with spectrum and how they can cooperate with the NCC to open up the ICT space in Nigeria.
In his response, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman Umar Garba Danbatta stated that the NCC on its part will always try to find pragmatic ways to engage. He also revealed that 700 spectrums have been approved by the government for telecommunications.
Speaking on the famous MTN fine, Mr Danbatta stated that the essence of the fine wasn’t just about the money but about the need to ensure that due processes are followed and rules are respected.
‘’MTN has so far paid over 54% of the fine totalling about N165 billion, and even while this crisis was on-going, we restored and renewed their licenses. It is very good that we still find ways to cooperate, and we recognise their digital transformation agenda in Nigeria. Our economy is picking up again and we hope MTN is making the most out of that,’’ he said.
Mr Danbatta also revealed that the NCC has commissioned a new strategic management plan which is about ensuring that the interest of mobile service providers, subscribers, workers and all stakeholders are protected and advanced.
