5G Auction: NCC unaware of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu connection to Mafab

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a statement saying it was not aware of any connection between Mafab Communications and the former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In the course of its routine media review on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it became aware of publications in some online media channels claiming the involvement of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu with Mafab Communications Limited, one of the winners of the 5G spectrum sold by the Commission in a public auction conducted on Monday, December 13, 2021 in Abuja.

The Commission said the process leading to the auction of the 5G spectrum was open, fair, and transparent, consistent with the Commission’s long-established regulatory culture and tradition.

It added that the rigorous process took place in the presence of stakeholders as observers, including the media, the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as well as civil society groups.

The statement signed by the Public Affairs Director, NCC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, described Mafab Communications Limited as a corporate entity properly licensed by the commission to conduct telecommunications business.

It added that the company is in good regulatory standing with the Commission, currently holds international data access (IDA), inter-connect data exchange (IDE) and Value-Added Service (VAS) licenses.

The statement read, “It is relevant to state that the Information Memorandum (IM) for the auction of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum clearly set out eligibility criteria for participation of interested bidders in the auction, which included that new companies could participate in the bid.

“Over the years, the NCC has had a range of auctions and as an independent regulatory agency, has maintained an undisputable reputation of successful auctions based on openness, fairness and transparency, a fact widely acknowledged locally and internationally. NCC’s auction proceedings conform to international best practice, devoid of any undue influence or interferences whatsoever.

“A higher standard of integrity and openness was emplaced in the 5G auction as the process was, for the first time, witnessed by the public both physically and virtually through a link provided by the  Commission on its official website.”

The Commission assured Nigerians that, following the successful auction of the 5G spectrum, it is prepared to drive the implementation of the next phase of the deployment of the new technology, in line with the Federal Government’s approved plan, for the benefit of all citizens.

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