The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) denied that   Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stakes with Mafab Communications Limited influenced their emergence as the winners of 3.5GHz spectrum aunction, as alleged in some quarters of the media.

NCC said it for to know those who have stakes in Mafab Communications Limited while reviewing media reports of Wednesday December 15, 2021.

A statement by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde said, Mafab Communications Limited is a corporate entity duly licensed by the Commission to conduct telecommunications business. He said the company as a legal entity which is separate from an individual 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.

NCC however insisted that, ‘consistent with its’ long-established regulatory culture and tradition, the process leading to the auction of the 5G spectrum was open, fair and transparent’.

It said, 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.

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. 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 any undue influence or interferences whatsoever.