Operator of Etisalat Nigeria – Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd (EMTS) Tuesday said that the operations of the fourth largest telco in Nigeria will not be affected despite the expected change of brand.

Etisalat International Monday finally announced its withdrawal Monday but gave its Nigerian arm the next three weeks for the final pull out.

EMTS Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Dikko, in a statement confirmed that the firm was conscious of concern expressed by many and media reports with regards to Etisalat Group’s withdrawal of the right to retain the use of the Etisalat brand in Nigeria.

Mr. Dikko reiterated that EMTS had a valid and subsisting agreement with the Etisalat Group.

He disclosed that the agreement gave right to EMTS to use the Etisalat brand irrespective of the recent development.

Dikko said: “Indeed, discussions are ongoing between EMTS and Etisalat Group pertaining to the continued use of the brand”.

He recalled that EMTS was launched in Nigeria in 2008 with “0809ja” to affirm the “Nigerianness” of its origin and sphere of influence.

Mr. Dikko also confirmed that the GSM company would continue to stay true to its “Naijacentric identity”.