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.
Prof. Adeniran Oluwaranti, the Coordinator of the Pervasive and Mobile Computing Research Group (PMCRG) said this in a statement.
According to him, the request was made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), which underscores PMCRG’s commitment to driving transparency and innovation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving ICT sector.
According to Prof Adeniran, 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.
Prof. Adeniran Oluwaranti led PMCRG, 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 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.
Oluwaranti expressed optimism about the release of the report “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,”.
“The CIS segment is crucial to fostering competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. With the report’s findings, give stakeholders a clearer understanding of the current competitive landscape, the challenges, and the growth opportunities. This is vital not only for improving regulatory frameworks but also for driving innovation in areas like 5G/6G networks, cybersecurity, and rural connectivity”, the statement reads.
