INTRODUCTION
Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is a critical driver of the country’s digital economy. It contributed approximately 10.29% to Nigeria’s Nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 10.59% to the real GDP in the first quarter of 2025, with the telecommunications sub-sector accounting for about 14.40% to the GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Despite over 220 million active mobile subscriptions, mobile internet usage remains relatively low, with only about 29% of Nigerians regularly accessing internet services. In response to the growing demand for improved connectivity and service diversity, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced a Licensing Framework for the establishment of the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). As of 2024 more than 40 MVNO licenses have been issued, highlighting the strong market
interest and potential for this model to enhance competition and expand digital access across the country.
