Written by Editor
In spite of the deadline given by Etisalat International for the
Nigerian arm to phase out the brand
in the country, Etisalat Nigeria says it is still negotiating to continue use of the name.
in the country, Etisalat Nigeria says it is still negotiating to continue use of the name.
The Abu Dhabi-owned telecommunications networks had given Etisalat
Nigeria three weeks to phase out the brand in the country, although it
stated that it would still provide technical support.
Even as Nigerians were apprehensive over how the ultimatum would
affect the telco’s services in the country, the firm has reassured that,
even if there is a change of name, it would not affect its services to
Nigerians.
Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd (EMTS), which trades
as Etisalat Nigeria gave the assurance in a statement by its vice
president, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, EMTS, Mr Ibrahim Dikko, on
Tuesday.
He said that the firm was not unaware of recent news reports in
respect to Etisalat Group’s withdrawal of the right to the continued use
of the Etisalat brand in Nigeria.
According to him, EMTS had a valid and subsisting agreement with the
Etisalat Group, which entitles EMTS to use the Etisalat brand despite
the recent changes within the company.
He said, “Indeed, discussions are ongoing between EMTS and Etisalat
Group pertaining to the continued use of the brand. EMTS will issue a
formal statement once discussions are concluded.
“The final outcome on the use of the brand in no way affects the
operations of the business as our full range of services remain
available to our customers.”
Following it inability to fulfill its part of the agreement in the
payment of $1.2 billion loan, the company was recently taken over by a
consortium of 13 banks, led by Access Bank.
