NCC shuts Nokia offices for lack of licence.

The enforcement unit of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has closed and sealed Nokia’s office in Lagos over the multinational company’s failure to pay a licence costing only N2 million ($6,300).

Speaking to journalists recently, Salisu Abdul, head of NCC’s enforcement unit, said Nokia had been operating in Nigeria without the required licence for many years. He said Nokia had applied for a licence three months ago but had failed to complete the process.

The cost of the sales and installation licence is two million naira ($6,354), said Abdul, adding that”We have sealed off the premises and we will not open it till they comply. The penalty is dependent on the number of years they’ve been on ground. We might have to levy a fine against Nokia before unsealing the premises.”

Nokia, in a statement, said “The temporary closing of our administrative office in Lagos is an important matter to us. We continue to closely collaborate with NCC and are accelerating our efforts to quickly correct the situation. We remain fully committed to delivering world-class connectivity solutions to the Nigerian market and positively contributing to the country socio-economic development.”