MTN Nigeria is in discussions to acquire the 5G spectrum licence owned by Mafab Communications in a proposed transaction that could significantly reshape competition and investment in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Industry sources confirmed that talks have taken place between both companies, although no final agreement has been reached. The proposed transfer would require approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant regulatory authorities before it can proceed.
The spectrum at the centre of the discussions is one of the two 100MHz blocks in the 3.5GHz band auctioned by the NCC in 2021. Both MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications paid $273.6 million each after emerging as winners of the landmark 5G auction that launched Nigeria’s next-generation mobile network era.
Under the current arrangement, MTN operates the 3500–3600MHz frequency block, while Mafab holds the 3700–3800MHz allocation. If the transaction is approved, MTN would gain additional spectrum resources capable of expanding its 5G capacity and improving network performance across its infrastructure.
The proposed acquisition has sparked debate among industry experts over its implications for market competition. Supporters argue that consolidating the spectrum with an operator that already possesses extensive nationwide infrastructure could accelerate 5G deployment and improve service quality for consumers. Critics, however, warn that concentrating more spectrum in the hands of Nigeria’s largest mobile operator could weaken competitive balance and reduce opportunities for smaller players.
Mafab entered the telecom market after securing its 5G licence in 2021 and formally rolled out commercial 5G services in 2023, positioning itself as Nigeria’s second indigenous 5G operator. However, its network expansion has remained limited compared with the country’s established mobile network operators.
The NCC has not announced any approval for the proposed transaction, and industry analysts note that any spectrum transfer would undergo regulatory scrutiny to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and competition rules.
If completed, the deal would rank among the most significant spectrum transactions in Nigeria’s telecom sector since the country’s inaugural 5G auction and could influence the pace of future broadband expansion nationwide.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
