Nigerian telecom executives have called on the Nigerian Communications Commission to strengthen enforcement of regulations that support mobile virtual network operators, aiming to boost competition and digital inclusion in Africa’s largest telecom market.

MVNOs are companies that provide mobile services by leasing network capacity from existing operators like MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, without owning physical infrastructure. They often focus on niche or underserved markets, offering tailored services to expand connectivity.

Since 2022, the NCC has issued 43 MVNO licences under a regulatory framework designed to increase market competition and broaden access. However, many licensed MVNOs have struggled to launch operations amid challenges related to wholesale pricing, backend support, and infrastructure sharing.

“MVNOs must not be viewed as threats but as partners in progress,” the President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Izuagbe Emoekpere, said at the MVNO Nigeria 2025 Conference in Lagos recently.

MVNO Nigeria 2025 is part of a broader effort by the Africa Hyperscalers to accelerate telecom reform and investment in Nigeria’s digital economy, aligning stakeholders to move beyond theory and into coordinated execution.

 “With the right regulatory will and ecosystem collaboration, they can expand access and affordability for millions,” said Emoekpere, who framed MVNOs as critical instruments of digital inclusion, economic resilience, and service diversification.

Executives want the NCC to institute transparent wholesale pricing, support Mobile Virtual Network Enablers, and promote infrastructure sharing. It is also vital to implement safeguards that protect MVNOs from predatory pricing and ensure competitive neutrality.

“Licences don’t launch businesses; value does,” the ATCON President noted.

MVNOs were encouraged to operate with the agility of startups and focus on underserved segments such as gig economy workers and small businesses.

The Chief Executive Officer of Mobilise, a UK-based MVNO enabler, Hamish White, emphasised the unique opportunity Nigeria presents: youthful demographics, a growing digital appetite, and a massively underserved market.

“MVNOs are not just telecom disruptors; they are platforms for national development,” said White. “With digital empathy and bold collaboration, we can transform connectivity in Nigeria.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, Teniola Stuffman, emphasised the need for swift action: “We didn’t collect licences to sit and sulk. We came to disrupt. Now let’s make it work.”

Executives also called on established mobile network operators to view MVNOs as revenue partners through fair wholesale agreements rather than competitors and encouraged investors to provide patient capital to support sustainable, locally relevant MVNO business models.

“The tools are in place,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Open Access Data Centres, Dr Ayotunde Coker. “Now we need bold action and collaboration.”