MTN’s new CEO, Phuthuma Nhleko is in Nigeria to negotiate with authorities to reduce a $5.2 billion fine imposed on the telco group for breaching the country’s regulations.<\/p>\n
This is according to report by the City Press, saying the executive landed in the country on Thursday (12 November).<\/p>\n
The fine relates to 5.2 million improper\u00a0SIM cards which MTN failed to disconnect in Nigeria, opening the country up to “serious security threats”, according to the Nigerian Communication Commission.<\/p>\n
The fine was imposed on MTN in August, with a deadline to pay set for Monday, 16 November 2016. With that deadline looming,\u00a0MTN confirmed that its new chief executive is in Nigeria to deal with “the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances”.<\/p>\n
According to the City Press, it’s unclear how long the executive will be in the country.<\/p>\n
Nhleko, a former CEO of MTN, took up the role once again after former chief, Sifiso Dabengwa, stepped down amid the regulatory mess.<\/p>\n
Nhleko served as non-executive director and chairman of MTN from July 2001 until June 2002 and thereafter as an executive director, group president and CEO until March 2011.<\/p>\n
He served as non-executive chairman of the group until Dabengwa resigned.<\/p>\n
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