FELICIA ITEJI
The Pervasive and Mobile Computing Research Group (PMCRG), a specialized research arm within Obafemi Awolowo University’s (OAU) Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) ICT-Driven Knowledge Park, has formally requested the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to release findings of a 2022 study on the telecommunications competition landscape in Nigeria.
This request, made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), underscores PMCRG’s commitment to driving transparency and innovation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving ICT sector. 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 yet 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. In a recent interview, Prof. Oluwaranti 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,” said Prof. Oluwaranti.
The Africa Centre of Excellence, 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 recognized model for ICT research and commercialization, ACE aims to promote solutions to Africa’s pressing technological challenges through high-quality postgraduate education, research uptake, and industry collaboration Prof. Oluwaranti also 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,” Prof. Oluwaranti explained.
Prof. 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 it approved OAU as a center for telecommunications research and innovation,” he added. Implications for Consumers and Businesses The findings of the 2022 NCC study have the potential to impact both consumers and businesses significantly.
For consumers, the report could shed light on the level of competition in the telecom market, helping regulators ensure fair pricing and service quality. For businesses, the study could identify new opportunities for infrastructure sharing and improved market access.
“Ultimately, this report could lead to policy decisions that shape the future of Nigeria’s telecom landscape, ensuring that it remains competitive and innovative,” said Prof. Oluwaranti.
Next Steps While the NCC has not yet responded to the request, Prof. Oluwaranti remains optimistic. “We are hopeful that the NCC will adhere to the FOI request and release the report. Transparency is key to fostering an innovative and competitive telecommunications sector. We believe that having access to this data will benefit not only the academic community but also the entire country by promoting evidence-based policymaking,” he concluded.
