Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd. (EMTS), trading as Etisalat Nigeria has disclosed that the company has a valid and subsisting agreement with the Etisalat Group, which entitles EMTS to use the Etisalat brand.

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Dikko, Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria said 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 added that the final outcome on the use of the brand in no way affects the operations of the business as full range of services remain available to their customers.

This disclosure is coming in the mix of the recent changes within the company and the recent news reports regarding Etisalat Group’s withdrawal of the right to the continued use of the Etisalat brand in Nigeria by EMTS.

“EMTS launched in Nigeria in 2008 with “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”. 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.

“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 reads.