The Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services (EMTS) Limited,
trading as Etisalat Nigeria has said it has entered high-level discussion with
the Etisalat Group on the use of the brand in Nigeria in spite of its pull-out
of the business, reports ITRealms.
The Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at Etisalat
Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, while reacting on reported withdrawal of Etisalat
Group and the right to the continued use of the Etisalat brand in Nigeria by
EMTS.
According to him, EMTS has a valid and subsisting agreement
with the Etisalat Group, which entitles EMTS to use the Etisalat brand, notwithstanding
the recent changes within the company.
He confirmed to ITRealms
that EMTS is in discussion with Etisalat Group over the continued use of the
brand in Nigeria.
“Indeed, discussions are ongoing between EMTS and Etisalat
Group pertaining to the continued use of the brand, and EMTS will issue a
formal statement once discussions are concluded,” he said.
Dikko pointed out that the final outcome on the use of the
brand would in no way affect the operations of the business at full range of
services remain available to ‘Etisalat’ customers in Nigeria.
He recalled some of the brand repositioning by EMTS since
its launch in Nigeria nine years ago, which include but not limited to “0809ja”
to affirm the “Nigerianness” of our origin and sphere of influence.
“In our 9 years of operation, we have remained a prime
driver and avid supporter of the Nigerian spirit of excellence, and we will
continue to stay true to our “Naijacentric identity” he said.
This notion, Dikko said, is strongly reflected in the telco
core messages and depicted in major projects and initiatives which we have been
known to support.
“All these initiatives have their foundation embedded in
supporting key aspects of the Nigerian fabric: building Nigerian businesses and
empowering Nigerian’s with a focus on the youth,” he said.
The VP Dikko maintained that Nigeria remains the soul of
EMTS’ business and EMTS has made the brand alluring to teeming subscribers who
see a piece of the spirit and character of Nigeria in everything the company
do.
“EMTS is here to stay and we wish to assure our esteemed
customers that our core values of youthfulness, customer-centricity and
innovation will remain the pillars on which we operate. We thank our esteemed
customers for their abiding faith in us,” Dikko reassured.
