Emma Okonji
Smaller operators within the Nigerian telecoms sector have raised the priority over market dominance by the massive operators, a growth they stated might stifle progress of small telecoms operators, if acceptable regulatory measures weren’t taken.
They subsequently referred to as on the Nigerian Communications Fee (NCC) to place regulatory measures in place that will allow each the massive and the small operators co-exist profitably within the Nigerian telecoms area.
Trade statistics reveals that MTN and Airtel dominate Nigeria’s telecom market, controlling over 86 per cent market share, with MTN alone controlling 51-52 per cent market share and Airtel about 34 per cent, adopted by Glo with 12 per cent and T2 with two per cent, whereas smaller operators nonetheless battle to achieve market share.
The smaller operators raised the priority on Tuesday in Lagos, on the stakeholders’ discussion board on the examine on the extent of competitors within the Nigerian telecoms {industry} organised by the NCC.
Govt Director, Broadbased Communications Restricted, Mr. Chidi Ibisi, who spoke on behalf of the smaller operators stated: “We perceive the market dynamics within the telecoms sector and we perceive these driving undue competitors within the telecoms area. We all know that the massive gamers have invested closely within the telecoms {industry} they usually need the bigger chunk of the market in any respect price, however there may be want for a degree playing-ground between the small operators and the massive operators with a view to assist smaller operators to function and survive, and this could solely be achieved by a calculated regulatory framework for the telecoms {industry}.”
Ibisi made this identified to NCC and its companion, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) that’s accountable for the conduct and information evaluation of the examine, and suggested PwC to contemplate the smaller operators in its last advice to NCC, after concluding the 12 to 14 weeks examine.
Companion and Public Sector Lead at PwC Nigeria, Mary Iwelumo, who led the PwC group, assured smaller operators of objectivity and equity of the examine, including that the examine, which is centered on {industry} competitors for voice and information connectivity within the telecoms {industry}, shouldn’t be meant to show the operations of the telecoms {industry}, however to make sure higher service supply to shoppers of telecoms providers.
Based on her, telecoms operators are declaring yearly improve in subscriber quantity, however experiencing regular decline within the Common Income Per Consumer (ARPU), a growth, she stated, would even be addressed within the examine.
She subsequently referred to as on telecoms operators to adjust to early submission of knowledge that may assist the PwC group within the examine.
In her opening remarks, Head Competitors & Tariff on the Coverage, Competitors and Financial Evaluation Division of NCC, Mrs. Omotayo Mohammed, stated the telecoms {industry}, which contributed about 9.1 per cent to nationwide GDP as at Q3 2025, remained a essential enabler of progress, inclusion, innovation and repair supply throughout all sectors of the economic system, therefore the necessity for the examine with a view to shield the sector from undue affect.
“The Nigerian telecommunications market has advanced considerably over the previous years. Income fashions have shifted, funding patterns have modified, and new types of market interplay have emerged. We’re witnessing speedy technological change, evolving client expectations and utilization patterns, rising funding prices, and heightened aggressive pressures. Concurrently, issues round limitations to entry, market focus, sustainability of smaller gamers, and high quality of service proceed to warrant cautious consideration. These dynamics spotlight the significance of steady validation of competitors coverage assumptions towards present market proof,” Mohammed stated.
Based on her, competitors is the engine that drives innovation, affordability, and client selection. However competitors should even be honest, efficient, and sustainable. Our activity as a regulator is to strike the suitable stability, one which protects shoppers, rewards effectivity and funding, and retains the market open to new concepts and new entrants.
“The final complete, industry-wide competitors examine undertaken by the fee was concluded in 2013. Just a few focused, bespoke research have since been performed throughout particular providers and market segments equivalent to Cell Voice Termination Charge 2018 and Cell Voice Worldwide Termination Charge 2022. Nonetheless, developments in expertise, market construction, and client behaviour now necessitate a holistic reassessment of competitors throughout the telecommunications worth chain. To help evidence-based decision-making, the fee has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an unbiased, data-driven examine on the extent of competitors within the Nigerian telecoms {industry},” Mohammed additional stated.
Giving particulars of the examine, Mohammed stated: “The examine has been designed to seize each supply-side and demand-side dimensions of the market. On the availability facet, it should assess market construction, ranges of focus, pricing behaviour, entry to important services, limitations to entry and enlargement, and the depth of aggressive rivalry. On the demand facet, it should study client utilization patterns, switching behaviour, affordability, service high quality, and the extent to which, shoppers are capable of train knowledgeable selection.”
