Microfone Telecom Nigeria is currently looking to throw its name in the running to take over the fixed line operator Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL) after the previous attempts to sell the struggling company failed last month. Microfone, an initiative of the Nigerian Capital Development Fund, was reported by The Punch newspaper of submitting a letter of intent to the Bureau of Public Enterprises to take over operations of the state-owned telecom operator. In the letter, it said that it wants “to provide services to the very poor, but hardworking Nigerians, in the remotest parts of the country.” The letter continues to say that the company “hereby request that you [BPE] consider transferring NITEL to Nigerians via Microfone Telecom Nigeria Limted 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 serious buyer.” They have asked that they be allowed to take over NITEL for a set period before the company can then be put up for sale again. BM
