MTN Nigeria this afternoon announced it is dragging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to the Federal High Court in Lagos to challenge the commission’s decision to impose a fine on the network. The company said it is acting on legal advice.
MTN said it has resolved that the manner of the imposition of the fine and the quantum thereof is not in accordance with the NCC’s powers under the Nigerian Communications Act and therefore there are valid grounds upon which to challenge the fine.
“Accordingly MTN has followed due process and has instructed its lawyers to proceed with an action in the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking the appropriate reliefs. MTN is advised that in the current circumstances in line with the lis pendens rule (pending legal action) the parties are enjoined to restrain from taking further action until the matter is finally determined. This is consistent with previous judicial decisions in Nigeria,” the network said in a statement.
Notwithstanding, MTN stated that it will continue to engage with the Nigerian authorities to try and ensure an amicable resolution in the best interests of the Company, its stakeholders and the Nigerian authorities.
