Further to progressive regulation of the nation’s telecom sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has contracted professional services network PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to carry out a review of competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
The Head of the Public Affairs Department of the Commission, Nnenna Ukoha, announced this in a statement issued in Abuja recently.
The Commission noted that the study is aimed at providing an independent, data-driven assessment of competitive conditions within the Nigerian telecommunications market.
According to Ukoha findings from the study will guide proportionate and evidence-based regulatory interventions designed to promote effective competition, protect consumer interests, encourage investment, and support national digital development goals, in line with the overall sustainability of the industry
“As part of the study, the consultant will engage a broad spectrum of key stakeholders, including licensed operators, industry associations, and consumer groups.
“Stakeholders will be invited to submit data, inputs, and perspectives to enrich the analysis,” the statement read.
The Head of Tariff, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department at the NCC, Mrs. Omotayo Mohammed, argued that a comprehensive review had become imperative due to the rapid evolution of the telecoms market.
She was further quoted as saying changes in revenue models, investment dynamics, and market interactions have fundamentally altered the competitive landscape of the sector.
Mohammed spoke at a stakeholders’ forum on the Study of Competition in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry, organised by the Commission, held in Lagos.
“To support evidence-based decision-making, the Commission has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an independent, data-driven study on the level of competition in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
“Given developments in technology, market structure, and consumer behaviour, there is now a clear need for a holistic reassessment of competition across the entire telecommunications value chain,” she was quoted as saying.
On his part, PwC Network Director for Strategy, Mr. Akolawole Odunlami, said the study was timely and apt.
