The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulatory body for telecommunications in Nigeria, has unveiled draft regulations for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) as part of efforts to streamline the nascent market.
The proposed “Business Rules for Mobile Virtual Network Operations in Nigeria” have been published, and the NCC is inviting industry stakeholders to provide feedback. Comments on the draft rules can be submitted until June 29, with a public consultation set for July 9.
The NCC’s proposed regulations outline the responsibilities and obligations for both MVNOs and host network operators (HNOs). The framework specifies conditions for licensing, compliance, interconnection, the management of numbering resources, the handling of SIM and eSIM services, and agreements for network hosting.
Additionally, the regulations aim to ensure equitable access to telecommunications infrastructure and to reduce the delays often associated with integrating MVNOs into existing mobile networks.
The draft also includes guidelines regarding service quality, customer protection, network reliability, and data security. Non-compliance with these rules could result in administrative penalties or corrective measures as per existing telecommunications legislation.
Nigeria officially launched its MVNO market in 2023, issuing licenses to 25 operators for a total of US$ 4.3 million. Since then, the NCC has granted around 40 licenses, with companies like Vitel and Visafone already beginning operations.
Authorities view MVNOs as a means to enhance competition within the telecommunications sector and to facilitate service provision to underserved and unserved populations.
As of March 2026, Nigeria reported 185.7 million mobile subscribers and 153.8 million internet users, based on NCC data. Despite the expansive market, access to digital services remains uneven across the nation.
Government statistics indicate that nearly 20 million Nigerians are still excluded from the digital landscape, while the GSMA estimates suggest that around 120 million Nigerians did not utilise mobile internet in 2023. Persistent issues such as high service costs and inconsistent quality of service continue to plague the telecommunications sector.
