Mafab Communications seeks to transfer 5G spectrum to MTN Nigeria

Mafab Communications is seeking regulatory approval to transfer its 5G spectrum holdings to MTN Nigeria. The proposed transaction includes Mafab’s 2×20 MHz holding in the 2.1 GHz band and its 100 MHz block in the 3.5 GHz band.

If approved, the deal would allow MTN, which currently controls approximately half of Nigeria’s mobile market, to leverage additional frequency resources alongside its existing network infrastructure. This could potentially improve service quality and capacity deployment. However, industry experts note that the concentration of spectrum could impact competition by altering the market position of operators with fewer financial or infrastructure resources.

The move coincides with an ongoing review by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding spectrum utilization. The regulator is focused on ensuring that scarce frequency resources are held by operators capable of efficient deployment to prevent underutilization across the telecommunications sector.