ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced a review of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator business rules to strengthen competition and expand access to telecommunications services, while also confirming that 46 MVNO licences have been issued so far.
Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, made the disclosure on Thursday during a stakeholders’ forum on the MVNO business rules held in Abuja. He said the review was necessary to ensure the regulatory framework remains responsive to the evolving telecommunications landscape and supports the commission’s goal of deepening broadband penetration across Nigeria.
Maida explained that the MVNO framework was designed to enable entrepreneurs to offer telecom services without owning physical network infrastructure, by leasing capacity from existing Mobile Network Operators. “This model promotes competition, innovation, and service differentiation, and creates opportunities for new entrants,” he said.
The NCC boss noted that the review would address challenges that have emerged since the launch of the MVNO framework, including commercial arrangements between MVNOs and MNOs, service quality standards, and consumer protection requirements. He said the commission was committed to creating an enabling environment for MVNOs to thrive while safeguarding the interests of consumers.
Since the launch of the MVNO framework, 46 licences have been issued to operators across various categories, including national, zonal, and regional licences. The NCC said the licences have contributed to expanding telecom services to underserved and rural areas, where traditional MNOs have been reluctant to invest due to high infrastructure costs.
The stakeholders’ forum brought together representatives from MVNOs, MNOs, industry associations, and consumer groups to discuss the proposed changes and provide input into the review process. Maida assured participants that the NCC would consider all feedback before finalising the updated rules.
The review of the MVNO business rules aligns with the federal government’s broader digital economy agenda and the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, which aims to achieve 70 percent broadband penetration by 2025. The NCC has been implementing various initiatives to drive connectivity and digital inclusion, including the licensing of new spectrum bands and the promotion of infrastructure sharing.
The NCC said the updated MVNO rules would be published once the review process is completed. The commission has encouraged all stakeholders to participate actively in the review process to ensure that the final rules are fair, balanced, and conducive to the growth of the telecommunications sector. Those who fail to comply with the regulatory requirements will face sanctions in accordance with the law. The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the telecommunications industry continues to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and social development.
