The Pervasive and Mobile Computing Research Group (PMCRG), a specialised research arm within Obafemi Awolowo University’s (OAU) Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to release its much-anticipated report on competition within the sector in a move aimed at enhancing transparency and fostering a more competitive telecommunications market,
The report, which is expected to provide detailed insights into the state of competition among telecom operators, has been long-awaited by industry stakeholders and consumers alike.
Recall that the NCC engaged the globally renowned consulting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), in 2022 to assess competition in the critical areas of collocation and infrastructure sharing (CIS) within the telecom industry. However, despite the completion of the study, its findings have not lyet been made public.
In response, the PMCRG, led by Prof. Adeniran Oluwaranti, is seeking access to this report to support academic research, policy formation, and industry-wide innovations.
Oluwaranti in an interview with NATIONAL ECONOMY, explained the importance of the report and how the lack of transparency could slow progress in the telecom industry. “The CIS segment is crucial to fostering competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. With the report’s findings, stakeholders will have a clearer understanding of the current competitive landscape, the challenges, and the opportunities for growth. This is vital not only for improving regulatory frameworks but also for driving innovation in areas like 5G/6G networks, cybersecurity, and rural connectivity,” he added.
The Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE), headquartered at Obafemi Awolowo University, is dedicated to advancing ICT education and innovation across Nigeria and the wider African sub-region.
With a mission to develop a regionally recognised model for ICT research and commercialisation, ACE aims to promote solutions to Africa’s pressing technological challenges through high-quality postgraduate education, research uptake, and industry collaboration.
Oluwaranti highlighted the ACE’s broader vision: “Our Centre seeks to be a leading hub for research, training, and innovation in ICT. We collaborate with industry partners and focus on building capacity, not just within Nigeria but across Africa. By promoting equitable access to ICT and fostering start-ups from research activities, we are bridging the digital divide and driving technological advancements that benefit both urban and rural populations.”
“The FOI request, which aligns with both the Freedom of Information Act and Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, aims to enhance the understanding of market dynamics in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
“Our postgraduate researchers are particularly keen to analyze the findings of this study. It will directly contribute to ongoing research projects focusing on
telecommunications policy, infrastructure sharing, and market behavior, helping us develop actionable strategies that align with our mission of fostering cutting-edge research into emerging technologies,” Oluwaranti explained.
During the interview, Oluwaranti stressed the essential role that academia plays in shaping the future of Nigeria’s telecom industry. “By conducting independent research, academic institutions like OAU provide critical insights that can guide policy improvements, support infrastructure development, and ultimately foster the growth of the telecom industry. This is part of the larger vision behind our Centre of Excellence, which the NCC recognized when itapproved OAU as a center for telecommunications research and innovation,” he added.
