• The NCC has hired PwC to assess competition in Nigeria’s telecom market
• The review will examine market structure, pricing, and entry barriers
• Telecoms counted 177.4 million subscribers as of November 2025

Nigeria’s communications regulator has launched a broad review of competition in the telecommunications sector, appointing consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to carry out an in-depth assessment of market dynamics. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said the move aims to provide an objective and independent snapshot of competition in one of Africa’s largest telecom markets.

PwC’s mandate covers the structure of the market, the distribution of market shares, barriers to entry, pricing practices, and changes in business models amid rapid technological shifts. According to the NCC, stakeholders will be invited to submit data, input, and perspectives to ensure the study reflects current and evolving market realities.

By assessing the actual level of competition, the regulator says it wants to ensure the market remains open, innovative, and attractive to investment, while safeguarding consumer interests. The NCC stressed that the exercise does not target any specific operator, but is intended to generate reliable data that could inform adjustments to regulatory tools and competition policy if needed.

With 177.4 million telecom subscribers recorded in November 2025, according to NCC data, the sector is a core pillar of Nigeria’s economy. It plays a key role in GDP contribution, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and the expansion of digital services.

Four main operators dominate the market, led by the Nigerian unit of South Africa’s MTN with a 51.89% market share, or about 92 million subscribers. Airtel follows with 33.78%, or around 59.9 million users. Globacom and T2 trail with market shares of 12.54% (22.2 million subscribers) and 1.8% (3.2 million), respectively.

Adoni Conrad Quenum