Joy Agwunobi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to carry out a comprehensive assessment of competition within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, indicating a renewed regulatory focus on market balance, consumer protection and long-term sector sustainability.
In a notice to telecom licensees, industry stakeholders and the general public, the Commission said the study is being conducted in line with Section 92 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, as well as the Competition Practices Regulations (CPR) of 2007. These provisions empower the regulator to periodically evaluate the level of competition across the sector and determine whether regulatory intervention is required.
According to the NCC, the engagement of PwC is aimed at delivering an independent and data-driven analysis of current competitive conditions in the telecommunications market. The outcome of the study is expected to provide evidence-based insights that will guide future regulatory actions, ensuring they are proportionate, transparent and aligned with the realities of the industry.
The Commission explained that the exercise is not intended to be punitive, but rather to promote effective competition, protect consumer interests, stimulate investment and support Nigeria’s broader digital development goals. By grounding regulatory decisions in empirical findings, the NCC said it hopes to strengthen industry sustainability while fostering innovation and fair market practices.
As part of the assignment, PwC will engage extensively with key stakeholders across the telecom ecosystem. This includes licensed operators, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups and other relevant players. Stakeholders will be invited to submit data, views and position papers to support a more holistic understanding of the market and ensure that the study reflects both current conditions and emerging trends.
The NCC noted that stakeholder engagement is central to the exercise, consistent with what it described as its participatory regulatory approach. To this end, a series of consultation sessions has been scheduled, with the first engagement already held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Additional sessions are expected to follow as the study progresses.
In its notice, the Commission urged participating organisations to nominate no more than two representatives for each engagement session, stressing the need for focused and productive discussions. It added that these consultations will play a critical role in shaping the final assessment and, ultimately, the future direction of competition regulation in the telecommunications sector.
