Governors insist MTN Nigeria pays fine

                       

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.