By Martin Ekpeke
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued 46 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licences in a strategic move to deepen market competition, drive digital inclusion, and expand mobile access across the country without requiring new operators to deploy heavy infrastructure or own spectrum.
To ensure the sustainability of these new market entrants, the telecom regulator has also initiated a comprehensive review of the business rules governing MVNO operations.
The announcement was made during the MVNO Business Rules Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum in Abuja, where industry leaders, host network operators, and regulatory officials gathered to address emerging operational challenges and refine the industry framework.
To encourage varied business models ranging from basic service reoffering to full virtual infrastructure hosting, the Nigerian Communications Commission categorises operators across five distinct tiers. Under this regulatory structure, the commission has issued one licence in Tier 1, 11 licences in Tier 2, and 16 licences in Tier 3. Additionally, seven licences have been awarded in Tier 4, while Tier 5 accounts for 11 licences.
By leveraging the existing Radio Access Networks (RAN) and infrastructure of established Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), licensed MVNOs are expected to introduce service differentiation, lower costs, and offer consumers greater choice.
Despite issuing 46 licences, the actual commercial rollout of services has faced hurdles due to friction between MVNOs and host MNOs. The NCC’s regulatory review directly addresses these bottlenecks.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Usman Mamman (Director of Licensing and Authorisation) emphasized that the revised rules aim to bring clarity to commercial relationships, licensing demands, and operational mandates while protecting market integrity and consumer interests.
“The MVNO business rules are designed to provide clarity on licensing, operational responsibilities, and relationships with host network operators while safeguarding consumer interests and market integrity,” said Maida.
He added that strict enforcement will follow to ensure full compliance.
Similarly, Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, affirmed that the draft rules were crafted to establish a structured operating environment that helps MVNOs stimulate innovation and deepen overall sector competition.
While welcoming the review, key industry representatives urged the regulator to move from policy drafting to active enforcement. Regarding revenue sharing, Ken Nwabueze, President of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators of Nigeria, called on the commission to establish explicit guidelines for revenue-sharing models between host networks and virtual operators to guarantee commercial fairness and transparency.
Addressing operational hurdles, Chidi Ibisi of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria highlighted that internal administrative bottlenecks and sequence delays within host mobile network operators have stalled several virtual operators from launching. He expressed optimism that the updated framework will set binding timelines to streamline integration and eliminate these onboarding delays.
The NCC confirmed that all feedback and contributions collected during the Abuja consultative forum will be incorporated into the final draft of the revised MVNO Business Rules before their official adoption and enforcement.