(Ecofin Agency) - Back to the wall, MTN Nigeria has decided to reach out to Justice to settle its dispute with Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) regarding the $3.9 billion fine it was imposed for failing to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered of its SIM cards. 13 days only before deadline for payment of fine, the telecom company which now estimates that the sanction was not based on regulation in place, appealed to the Supreme Court for its cancellation.  

In a statement, MTN said that following counseling from its legal representatives, it has “decided that the manner in which the fine was imposed as well as its amount do not conform with NCC’s authority, in accordance with Nigeria’s regulations on communication. It thus has reasonable grounds to contest the fine”. However, in case the legal procedure hits a wall, MTN took the necessary precautions to insure it keeps a healthy relationship with the Nigerian government. The firm said it would “continue cooperating with Nigerian authorities so as to reach a friendly settlement, in the best interest of the company, the involved parties and the Nigerian authorities”.

Though reduced, the fine imposed to MTN Nigeria is still quite significant. It represents more than 80% of the firm’s turnover in 2014 which was $4.648 billion.