MTN set to begin talks with Nigeria government over $3.9 billion fine

The government of Nigeria is expected to start new talks with South African mobile phone operator MTN, to settle a dispute over a $3.9 billion fine.

According to media reports, Nigeria’s communications minister said that the government is planning to negotiate with the company and the final decision rests with president Muhammadu Buhari, but no date has been scheduled.

“It is now for government to meet with them and conclude negotiations,“said Adebayo Shittu, Nigeria’s minister for communication.

This latest development comes after MTN said last week, that it had withdrawn a lawsuit against Nigeria over the fine which originally stood at $5.2 billion.

Africa’s biggest mobile phone company had been fined for failing to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered SIM users and has paid $250 million towards a settlement.

Nigeria is MTN’s biggest market with 63 million customers.