Stakeholders in Telecommunications. has issued a call for collaboration, Strategic market positioning and patient capital on August 26, 2025.
This call was made during the 2025 Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF) which held in GRA, Lagos. The event brought together key stakeholders, including major mobile network operators (MNOs), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and licensed Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
Significantly, the forum served as a platform to diagnose the challenges hindering the growth of MVNOs and outline a clear path forward for these service providers.
The stakeholders identified significant infrastructure gaps and investment challenges as major hurdles facing MVNO’s. It was disclosed that MVNOs often struggle to access existing MNO infrastructure, creating bottlenecks for seamless integration and service delivery.
Additionally, the perceived multiplication of MVNO licenses without corresponding infrastructure expansion risks saturating the nascent market. Commercial viability is also a significant challenge, as MVNOs face intense competition from large MNOs with vast resources and established customer bases.
After an extensive deliberation, the following strategic recommendations were put forward to overcome these challenges – Stakeholders emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address infrastructure deficits and create a more enabling environment for MVNOs.
Telecom Roadmap: Strategies to Strengthen MVNO Growth and Sustainability in Nigeria
The NCC was urged to develop a regulatory framework specifically designed to nurture and support MVNOs, allowing them to thrive rather than just survive. MVNOs were advised to conduct diligent market analysis before acquiring licenses and focus on underserved rural areas rather than competing head-on with MNOs in urban centers.
MVNOs were encouraged to differentiate their services through specialized offerings like e-commerce platforms, POS services, and other value-added solutions. The communique recommended that MVNOs consider mergers and acquisitions as a viable strategy for growth, noting that some operators may not survive the initial phase without strategic consolidation.
The stakeholders tempered expectations, advising that a significant impact from MVNOs on the broader telecoms ecosystem should not be anticipated for at least five to seven years, emphasizing the need for patient, long-term investment. The sustainability of MVNOs in Nigeria is seen as a collective responsibility, requiring unwavering collaboration between MNOs, the NCC, and the MVNOs themselves.
However, the introduction of MVNOs is expected to Increase competition in the telecommunications sector, driving innovation and improving services. Provide telecommunications services to underserved and unserved areas, bridging the digital divide.
Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecommunications sector, creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals.
The 2025 TSSF marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, highlighting the potential of MVNOs to drive growth, innovation, and inclusivity. With the right collaboration, regulatory framework, and strategic approach, MVNOs can unlock new opportunities and transform the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria.
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