Multi-billion naira debt: NCC, CBN halt attempt to take over Etisalat

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have got reprieve for Etisalat on the loan default crisis facing the company.

In a statement on Saturday, Tony Ojobo, director of public affairs of NCC, said the reprieve came following a meeting convened by CBN and NCC to find a quick resolution to the crisis.

“Friday’s meeting succeeded in halting the attempt by Etisalat’s creditors at bringing it under any form of take over,” the statement read.

“Receivership was completely taken off the table in a meeting that was very productive and constructive.

“The meeting, which held at the CBN office in Lagos, had the consortium of banks being owed and Etisalat in attendance.

“The banks and the mobile network operator agreed to concrete actions that will bring all parties closest to a resolution.”

He said CBN and NCC were able to secure for Etisalat the necessary “oxygen” to enable it continue to meet urgent operational expenses.

Ojobo said Godwin Emefiele,  governor of CBN, who chaired the meeting, was firm in declaring what needed to be done by both parties towards a quick resolution.

He said NCC equally made it clear that everything necessary must be done to protect 23 million Etisalat subscribers.

The director said there was also the need to protect the telecoms industry to prevent potential investors from developing cold feet.

He said effort has been made to ensure that Etisalat remains in business while the consortium of banks meet their obligations to their customers.

“A meeting will hold on March 16 to agree on a payment restructuring path going forward,” he said.

“The NCC will lead the CBN in a possible crucial meeting with Etisalat’s shareholders anytime soon.”

On March 8, there was an attempt by a consortium of banks to take over Etisalat because of its N541.8 billion debt.

A consortium of some foreign and Nigerian banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank and Zenith Bank, have been having a running battle with the mobile telephone operator, over a loan facility totalling 1.72 billion dollars (about N541.8 billion) obtained in 2015.

The banks said their attempt to recover the loan by all means, was fuelled by the pressure from the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), demanding immediate cut down on the rate of their non-performing loans.

NCC seems not to be favourably disposed to the takeover proposal; as it believed that Etisalat is not only a viable going concern, but also willing and able to negotiate the servicing of its loans.

Etisalat is Nigeria’s fourth largest telecommunications operator. It commenced business in Nigeria in 2009.