The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has slammed a fine of N22 million on the four major telecoms operators in the country for flouting the ban on lotteries and promos.

The big four mobile service providers, Airtel Networks Ltd, Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Ltd (Etisalat), Globacom Ltd and MTN Communications Nigeria Ltd, were asked by NCC to stop lotteries and promos last year because such promos add to the network problems.

The NCC's Head of Media and Public Relations Reuben Mouka said yesterday in a statement that the operators flouted the order and so they are to pay N22 million to the coffers of government within seven days.

"MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd, is to pay N10 million on account of five promotions at N2 million for each promotion while Etisalat is to pay N6 million for three promotions in its network. Airtel is to pay N4 million for running two promotions against the ban while Globacom will pay N2 million for one promotion," NCC said in the statement.

All the operators have seven days to pay their fines from the date of receipt of the sanction notice, which was February 22.

They are liable to pay N1 million for any day that the contravention persists, according to Mouka.