Calls are being made for Prof Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to step down following his involvement in the circumstances surrounding the fine imposed on MTN Nigeria by the regulator.

The Alliance for the Defence of Democracy in Nigeria, a body of local legal professionals, has accused Danbatta of unlawfully involving himself in the ongoing saga.

"[He should be sanctioned] for getting involved in the negotiation that led to the reduction of the fine imposed on the mobile network, MTN, for non-deactivation of improperly registered SIM cards," the alliance said.

In a statement issued by the Alliance's secretary-general, Cletus A. Onwu, and sent to Dunbatta, President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria's communications minister Bayo Shittu, the organisation said Danbatta's resignation became necessary because his action 'compounded' security challenges in the country.

Negotiations stalled

Nigeria's government has confirmed it is suspending its talks with the representatives of the telecoms company until the conclusion of an investigation being conducted by lawmakers in Nigeria.

The position of the government was disclosed by Victor Oluwadamilare, spokesperson of Nigeria's ministry of communications.

"Until they are through with it, nothing can be done," he told Bloomberg.

"The federal government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the ministry of communications can do nothing about the MTN case until the committee concludes its thorough investigation. There's no point dealing with a particular organisation from different fronts. It would be counter-productive."