Danbatta, NCC boss, secures MTN N221m waiver in Kano

ITRealms:

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has intervened in a case between MTN Nigeria and the Kano State government, resulting in a waiver of N221m, ITRealms reports.

Lately, Danbatta, ITRealms recalls had in Ogun State last year, intervened which resulted in unsealing of 47 base stations  under lock and key,  while the state governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun,  also reduced ground rent fee owed by IHS Towers from N370 million to N120 million.

ITRealms gathered that some staff of Huawei, working on telecommunication infrastructure expansion in Kano state on behalf of the MTN Nigeria, were arrested by the officials of government’s agency, Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KANUPDA), a development which put a full stop to the project.

In addition, ITRealms reports that the situation could have adverse effects on Quality of Service experience among millions of service subscribers in the state and beyond before it was swiftly nipped in the bud.

ITRealms further gathered that Danbatta’s unscheduled visit to the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje led to the government generously waiving the permit fee of Two Hundred and Twenty One Million Naira (N221,000,000) for deployment of fibre infrastructure in that state.

Danbatta, was said to have convinced the governor about the economic advantages that the state stands to gain from deployment of more telecommunication infrastructure as well the potential quality of service concern that millions of service subscribers would face if the work was further delayed.

In a letter signed by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Bashir Mudi Adamu, and addressed to MTN, the agency, however, said the waiver of permit fees was granted in respect of two federal roads, Zaria Road and Maiduguri Road in the state.

ITRealms reports that the intervention was a strategic collaboration and partnership with other relevant agencies and stakeholders form key component of the 8-point agenda of the NCC boss unveiled last year.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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