By Daniel Edu
The founder and owner of the telecommunications giant, Globacom Limited, Mike Adenuga, has reportedly paid N154 billion to the federal government as part of its N200 billion spectrum license renewal debt.
This payment comes amid allegations of impropriety and influence within the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). On September 21, SaharaReporters accused Adenuga of compromising the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, with bribes and promises of presidential intervention to secure his two-year term.
However, on Wednesday, SaharaReporters claimed that a reliable source has confirmed Adenuga’s payment of N154 billion for the license renewal fees.
The source said, “After SaharaReporters reported on Globacom, which broke the back of the horse, Mike Adenuga has paid the government N154 billion with the remaining outstanding to be paid.”
The same source also indicated that Danbatta, the NCC boss, is expected to leave his current position in the coming days.
Another source within the presidential villa alleged that Danbatta had offered favors, including bulletproof cars and cash, to individuals close to the Aso Villa to secure his position. The source also raised questions about Danbatta’s handling of Glo’s debt, noting that he only threatened to suspend regulatory services to the telecom company when the presidency became aware of his alleged misdeeds.
Furthermore, the report mentions that Danbatta, in August, reportedly tricked the current Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, into signing off on a spectrum license trade that violated the one-year operating requirement. Additionally, Danbatta’s son allegedly lobbied for his father’s favor with Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
It’s important to note that the telecommunications industry in Nigeria has been subject to scrutiny and regulatory actions in recent times, with various controversies and disputes involving major players like Globacom.
