5G Auction: We Don’t Know If Mafab Communications Belongs To Bola Tinubu – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied knowledge of Senator Bola Tinubu’s connection to Mafab Communications Ltd.

Naija News reports that MTN and Mafab Communication emerged winners of the 5G spectrum sold by the Commission in a public auction conducted on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Following the auction, publications had emerged on some online media alleging the involvement of Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State, in Mafab Communications.

Reacting in a statement sent to Naija News, NCC Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde restated that the process leading to the auction of the 5G spectrum was open, fair and transparent.

He stated that the public auction followed a rigorous due process and was witnessed by a cross-section 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.

According to Adinde, Mafab Communications Limited is a corporate entity duly licensed by the Commission to conduct telecommunications business.

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

“It is pertinent 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 spectrum 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,” he said.

Adinde stated that the 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. approved plan, for the benefit of all citizens,” he added.