The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a public inquiry on draft business rules for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) as part of efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the sector and promote greater competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Speaking at the opening of the stakeholders’ consultation in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Mr. Usman Mamman, said the proposed rules are designed to provide clarity on licensing requirements, operational responsibilities and relationships between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and MVNOs.
He noted that the framework would also safeguard consumer interests while ensuring fairness and market integrity.
Maida explained that the draft business rules address key operational areas, including onboarding and integration processes, hosting arrangements, interconnection, numbering resources, SIM and eSIM management, quality of service obligations, infrastructure access, revenue-sharing principles, consumer protection and dispute resolution mechanisms.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to maintaining a transparent, predictable and globally competitive regulatory environment.
The NCC also disclosed that it has issued 46 MVNO licences across different service tiers since introducing the licensing framework.
Mamman recalled that the Commission began assessing the viability of the MVNO market in 2017, concluding that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector had matured sufficiently to accommodate virtual network operators.
He acknowledged that some operators have experienced delays due to technical integration, onboarding procedures, commercial negotiations and access to network infrastructure.
The proposed business rules, he said, are intended to eliminate these bottlenecks by promoting transparency, predictability and equitable treatment for all stakeholders.
Industry stakeholders are expected to review the draft and submit recommendations before the Commission finalises the regulations.
The NCC believes the strengthened framework will accelerate MVNO deployment, encourage innovation, expand access to telecommunications services and enhance digital inclusion while fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem.
