By Dipo Olowookere
The management of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd. (EMTS), trading as Etisalat Nigeria, has disclosed that it was holding discussions with Etisalat group on the use of Etisalat brand in Nigeria.
Earlier on Monday, news went viral that Etisalat Group had totally pulled out of Etisalat Nigeria, ordering an end to the use of its brand name in the country within three weeks.
But in a statement signed on Monday night by Mr Ibrahim Dikko, the Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, at Etisalat Nigeria, and made available to Business Post, it was pointed out that discussions were still “ongoing between EMTS and Etisalat Group pertaining the continued use of the brand.”
Mr Dikko promised that when talks were over, the firm would “issue a formal statement” on the matter.
Mr Dikko further said in the statement that “EMTS has a valid and subsisting agreement with the Etisalat Group,” which entitles it to “use the Etisalat brand (in Nigeria), notwithstanding the recent changes within the company.”
He, however, assured subscribers that the final outcome on the use will not affect “operations of the business as our full range of services remains available to our customers.”
“Nigeria remains the soul of EMTS’ business and we have made the brand alluring to our teeming subscribers who see a piece of the spirit and character of Nigeria in everything we 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,” the statement said.
In 2008, EMTS launched in Nigeria with 0809ja to affirm the Nigerianness of its origin and sphere of influence.
In its nine years of operation, the firm has remained a prime driver and avid supporter of the Nigerian spirit of excellence, and has promised to continue to stay true to its Naijacentric identity.
According to the statement, “This notion is strongly reflected in our 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.”
