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In a momentous turn of events, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reactivated regulatory services for Globacom Limited after the telecommunications giant successfully resolved its outstanding debt obligations to the commission. The debt primarily consisted of unpaid Spectrum Fees, Numbering Fees, and the Annual Operating Levy (AOL).
The NCC has further opted to retract its previously planned enforcement action against Globacom, which had stemmed from the company’s non-compliance with regulatory requirements related to debt settlement. This decision comes after the issuance of several demand notices to the company.
The temporary suspension of regulatory services to Globacom was initially lifted in a letter dated May 22, 2023, titled “Re: Continuous Breach of Commission’s Laws and Regulations.”
However, when Globacom failed to meet the specified conditions for the earlier reinstatement, the suspension of regulatory services was automatically reimposed.
The backstory behind this latest development is rooted in a history of unpaid dues by Globacom. Notably, Mike Adenuga, the founder and proprietor of Globacom Limited, a leading Nigerian telecommunications company, had previously declined to pay approximately N200 billion in spectrum license renewal fees, annual operating levies, and numbering plan fees owed to the Nigerian government.
Reports had surfaced concerning alleged compromises and questionable conduct, implicating prominent figures within the telecommunications industry. Some of the allegations included claims that Mike Adenuga had resorted to bribery and promises of presidential intervention to secure his company’s two-year term while potentially influencing the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, as reported by SaharaReporters.
In May, an exclusive report delved into the controversy surrounding the issuance of broadcast frequency licenses in the 600 MHz spectrum band by the NCC during the final days of the Buhari administration. This move had raised concerns of favoritism and nepotism, particularly regarding the allocation of licenses to companies associated with individuals close to centers of political power.
However, in a recent turn of events, Mike Adenuga has taken a significant step to rectify the situation. He has made a substantial payment of N154 billion to the Nigerian government, which constitutes a significant portion of the spectrum license renewal fees owed by his company.
This development signifies a significant milestone in the relationship between Globacom and the NCC, with regulatory services now reinstated, and the company taking proactive measures to settle its outstanding financial commitments to the government.
In case you missed it, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was among the three Chief Executive Officers of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy removed from their positions with immediate effect by President Bola Tinubu.
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