The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a stakeholders’ forum as part of a comprehensive study to assess the level of competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, with a focus on protecting consumers and strengthening fair market practices.
The Commission said the study is designed to engage industry stakeholders, evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks, identify policy options to deepen fair competition, and ensure the telecoms market remains transparent, innovative, and consumer-focused.Speaking at the forum, the Head of Competition and Tariff Policy at the NCC, Mrs. Tayo Mohammed, noted that Nigeria’s telecom sector is experiencing rapid technological change, shifting revenue models, and evolving consumer expectations, making periodic competition assessments essential.
She emphasized that competition drives innovation, affordability, and consumer choice, but must be fair and sustainable, adding that the NCC is committed to balancing consumer protection with incentives for efficiency, investment, and new market entrants to support Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.
Presenting at the event, PwC Associate Director, Mr. Akolawole Odunlami, said the NCC engaged PwC to conduct an independent competition assessment, stressing that competition should be measured by market concentration and service differentiation rather than operator numbers alone, while addressing barriers to entry, service quality, and the sustainability of smaller players.
Reporting by Eunice Olile