‎The Federal Government has restated its commitment to ensuring a fair, competitive marketplace to boost the growth of industry players, regardless of market size.

‎It said smaller operators with limited scale are not at a disadvantage.

‎Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, who gave the commitment in Lagos in his welcome address at the “Second Stakeholder Forum on the Study of the Level of Competition in the Nigerian Telecom Industry”, said the Commission is laser-focused on ensuring that market power does not undermine effective competition.

‎Representing the Commission, Head of Competition and Tariff at the NCC’s Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, Mrs Omotayo Mohammed, said that in undertaking the assessment, the Commission recognised that effective competition goes beyond market shares and the number of licensed operators.

‎“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to a fair and competitive marketplace. “Smaller operators are assured that limited scale is not, in itself, a disadvantage, while larger operators should equally recognise that Significant Market Power (SMP) status alone is not indicative of anti-competitive behaviour. Indeed, SMP may result from sustained investment, innovation and commercial success.

‎“The focus of the Commission is therefore on ensuring that market power does not undermine effective competition,” Dr Maida said, adding that regulatory intervention, where necessary, will be proportionate and targeted towards preserving competitive market conditions, encouraging investment and innovation, and delivering improved service quality and consumer value.

‎He said it is equally important to reiterate that the engagement is part of the Commission’s commitment to transparent, inclusive and participatory regulation.

‎“The findings being presented are intended to stimulate constructive dialogue and provide stakeholders with an opportunity to validate the evidence, clarify emerging issues and offer additional perspectives before the Commission reaches any regulatory conclusions.

‎“I therefore encourage everyone to participate actively and constructively in today’s discussions. Where the findings accurately reflect your experience of the market, please acknowledge them. Where you have reservations, differing perspectives or additional information that may improve the analysis, we welcome your contributions.

‎“We particularly encourage stakeholders to support their observations with verifiable data and practical industry experience. This will help ensure the study’s outcome is balanced, credible, and reflective of the realities of the Nigerian telecommunications market.

‎“As we proceed, PricewaterhouseCoopers will present the findings of the study, after which the floor will be opened for questions, observations and constructive discussions.

‎Stakeholders who wish to provide further comments or additional information in writing will have the opportunity to do so within the timeline to be communicated by the Secretariat,” the EVC said.

‎He expressed the Commission’s appreciation to PwC for their professionalism and commitment in conducting this study. I also commend the Commission’s project team for coordinating the exercise and facilitating stakeholder engagement,” he said.

‎He sincerely appreciates stakeholders’ presence and continued commitment to developing a competitive, efficient, innovative, and sustainable telecommunications industry that delivers meaningful benefits to Nigerian consumers, businesses, and the wider economy.

‎He recalled that at the first Stakeholder Forum in January 2026, the Commission outlined the objectives, scope, and proposed methodology of this important study.

‎“That engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their perspectives on the competitive dynamics of the Nigerian telecommunications market and the appropriate parameters for assessing the level of competition.

‎“The contributions received during that engagement were invaluable in refining the study’s approach, identifying relevant market issues and strengthening the evidence-gathering process.

‎“Today, we have reconvened to present the preliminary findings of the study, share the insights emerging from the analysis and, most importantly, obtain your feedback before the Commission considers the next steps.

‎“It is important to emphasise that the findings to be presented today are largely informed by the responses received through surveys and the Request for Information (RFI) circulated to licensees and other relevant stakeholders,” Dr Maida said.

‎He appreciated the organisations that responded promptly and provided all the information required for this exercise. “We recognise the considerable time, effort and resources involved in compiling such data and are grateful for your cooperation and continued support.

‎“At the same time, we recognise that the quality and reliability of any market assessment depend significantly on the completeness, accuracy and consistency of the underlying data.

‎“Accordingly, any areas where data limitations exist will be clearly identified and the resulting findings interpreted with the necessary caution,” he said.

‎The importance of this study cannot be overstated, he stated, stressing that efficient competition remained a fundamental driver of innovation, investment, service quality, consumer choice and affordable telecom services.

‎“For the Commission, understanding the level of competition across relevant telecomm markets is essential to fulfilling our statutory responsibilities under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the Competition Practices Regulations 2007.

‎“This study is therefore an important regulatory tool intended to provide an objective and evidence-based assessment of relevant markets and market conditions, identify potential barriers to effective competition and support the development of appropriate regulatory responses where necessary.

‎“In undertaking this assessment, we recognise that effective competition goes beyond market shares and the number of licensed operators. It also requires consideration of market concentration, barriers to entry and expansion, control over essential infrastructure, market conduct, consumer choice, and the identification of operators with Significant Market Power,” he said.

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