*The Nigerian Communications Commission explains the regulatory framework for the Mobile Virtual Network Operators was designed to accommodate different business models, and varying levels of technical, operational capabilities, thereby creating opportunities for wider participation in the telecoms sector of the country’s economy
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As part of its regulatory measures to deepen competition while expanding consumers’ access to telecoms services across the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun a review of the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) Business Rules.
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ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, affirmed this development at one-day MVNO Business Rule Stakeholders’ Forum, which the Commission organised Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Abuja, FCT.
Core objectives of review of MVNO framework
Maida said the ongoing review was aimed at promoting innovation and enhancing the regulatory framework guiding MVNO operations while ensuring a more competitive and inclusive telecommunications ecosystem.
The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, represented by Mr. Usman Mamman, Director of Licensing and Authorisation, also said the introduction of the MVNO business rules reflected the NCC broader commitment to a strategic objective of achieving digital inclusion.
He stated: “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.
“At the same time, we expect full compliance, and the commission will continue to exercise its mandate to ensure that all operators adhere strictly to established guidelines.”
MVNOs handle different business models, levels of technical, operational capabilities, by
Mamman
In Mamman’s own presentation too, the Director of Licensing and Authorisation of the Commission explained the introduction of MVNOs into Nigeria’s telecoms ecosystem was sequel to several years of consultations with the industry stakeholders.
He noted the framework was designed to accommodate different business models, and varying levels of technical and operational capabilities, thereby creating opportunities for wider participation in the sector.
Mamman further stated that the framework allows qualified operators to provide mobile communication services by leveraging the infrastructure of existing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) without owning radio spectrum or deploying nationwide radio access networks.
The NCC top official equally disclosed the Commission has issued 46 MVNO licences across the five operational tiers thus far.
The distribution comprised a Tier 1 licence, 11 Tier 2 licences, 16 Tier 3 licences, seven Tier 4 licences and 11 Tier 5 licences, he said.
MVNOs supports service differentiation, expands consumer choice
Speaking at the forum earlier, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, had noted the Commission developed the draft business rules to provide a clear operational framework for MVNOs within communications ecosystem in Nigeria.
Mrs. Whyte said the emergence of MVNOs as well presented significant opportunities to deepen competition, stimulate innovation, promote service differentiation and expand consumer choice.
She equally said the stakeholders’ forum was convened to obtain industry inputs that would strengthen the Commission’s regulatory framework before its final adoption in the telecommunications space.
Mr. Ken Nwabueze, President of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators of Nigeria (AMVON), in his remarks at the forum, urged the Commission to address concerns relating to revenue-sharing arrangements and enforcement of the proposed business rules.
Nwabueze said clear provisions on revenue-sharing models and effective enforcement mechanisms would promote fairness and certainty for the MVNOs.
He also noted: “As we define these rules, we plead with the commission to make enforcement a key component of the framework.”
Onboarding challenges of MVNOs
Hinting at likely hurdles to maximising the benefits of the sector, Mr. Chidi Ibisi, a member of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), identified “onboarding processes” as a major challenge facing MVNO operators.
Ibisi said delays in onboarding, occasioned by sequencing issues and internal processes of host operators, had slowed the commencement of operations by several MVNOs.
The industry operator, however, expressed optimism that the revised business rules would establish clear timelines and procedures to prevent unnecessary delays.
According to him, this will also ensure that internal restructuring, or corporate policies of host operators would not hinder onboarding processes for operations.