MTN Nigeria and 9mobile are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations for a potential deal.

Reports have surfaced indicating that MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of the MTN Group based in South Africa, and 9mobile (formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria) are currently engaged in advanced discussions regarding a spectrum trade deal. This potential agreement aims to strengthen 9mobile, the fourth-largest telecommunications company in Nigeria, which has faced financial challenges following the departure of key investors Mubadala and Etisalat of the UAE.

The spectrum trade option had previously been explored during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but encountered competition concerns, leading to a temporary suspension. The current talks are leveraging local telecom reforms as a means to overcome obstacles and finalize the deal.

Despite concerns about potential dominance by MTN, 9mobile, currently holding a 6.28% market share with 13.8 million customers, refutes the claims. MTN, boasting 85 million subscribers and a 38.5% market reach, has historically maintained a significant presence in Nigeria's telecom sector.

Adding complexity to the situation, MTN Nigeria has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the reported spectrum trade. If the acquisition of 9mobile's spectrum materializes, it could have a substantial impact on the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria. Interestingly, the National Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that it is not aware of the ongoing discussions between MTN Nigeria and 9mobile.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time MTN has pursued the acquisition of a competing telecom operator in Nigeria. In 2015, the telecom giant successfully completed the acquisition of Visafone Communications Limited, involving the transfer of shareholdings and frequency spectrum—a strategic move to expand its network reach in the country.

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