No Anointed Preferred Bidder For 9mobile Acquisition – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has declared that a preferred bidder that would take over the operations of 9mobile is yet to be decided as the process is still on-going.

The commission also clarified that contrary to speculations in certain quarters, a new operator would not be announced on January 16 as certain regulatory processes would still need to be put in place before a new ownership is announced.

The Director, Public Affairs of NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday.

 

“Our attention has been drawn to newspaper publications alleging that a preferred bidder has been anointed to acquire 9mobile and otherwise speculating on the outcome of the ownership transfer process.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to provide clarification that Barclays Africa remains in full control of the process leading to the emergence of a new owner for the company.

“Barclays has not authorised any publication on the matter and is obliged to maintain full confidentiality thereon.

“Contrary to speculations that a winner will be announced on the same day (Jan.16), we wish to clarify that Barclays is expected to review the bids received by the deadline and to make recommendations to the 9mobile Interim Board thereafter,’’ Ojobo said.

He further explained that should the the 9mobile interim board accept Barclays’ recommendations and a winning bid was determined in accordance with the terms of the exercise, NCC and the CBN would have to be duly notified, after which the winner will now apply to NCC, in order to commence the processes for securing the regulatory approvals necessary for full effect of the transfer.