Microfone Nigeria eyes trailing operator NITEL

Microfone Telecom Nigeria is currently bidding to take over the fixed line operator Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL), after the June 2011 attempt to sell the struggling company failed.

Microfone, an initiative of the Nigerian Capital Development Fund, has submitted a letter of intent to the Bureau of Public Enterprises to take over operations of the state-owned telecom operator.

In the letter, Microfone says it wants “to provide services to the very poor, hardworking Nigerians in the remotest parts of the country.”

The letter continues to say “The company hereby request that the Bureau of Public Enterprises consider transferring NITEL to Nigerians via Microfone Telecom Nigeria Limited for the benefit of the grassroots, the poor and underserved majority of Nigerians. We have a solution-driven approach and ability to resolve the current NITEL ailments within a short time that will benefit the company and further prepare it for sale to any future prospective and a serious buyer.”

Microfone has requested to take over NITEL for a set period before the company can then be put up for sale again.

David Eto