by George Ozalla
The Nigerian Communications Commission has given all licensed telecommunications operators a 45-day window to regularise any unapproved changes in their shareholding structures, particularly those involving ownership transfers of ten per cent or more carried out without prior regulatory consent.
The directive, which took effect from the date of its publication on the Commission’s official platform, applies across the industry and covers historical shareholding alterations that did not receive the mandatory approval of the regulator before execution. The Commission clarified that the grace period is intended to allow operators voluntarily disclose and correct such infractions without immediate sanctions.
According to the NCC, the requirement for prior approval is clearly stipulated under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, as well as Regulations 41, 42 and 43 of the Licensing Regulations, 2019, which mandate licensees to seek clearance before effecting any substantial change in ownership or control. The regulator noted that unapproved changes undermine transparency and weaken regulatory oversight within the sector.
The Commission warned that once the 45-day compliance window expires, it will no longer exercise leniency and will apply sanctions in line with the Nigerian Communications Enforcement Processes and related regulations. These sanctions may include fines and other enforcement measures deemed appropriate under the law.
Industry observers view the move as part of a broader effort by the NCC to tighten corporate governance standards in the telecommunications sector, ensure clarity around ownership structures, and prevent practices that could distort competition or pose risks to sector stability. Operators have been advised to promptly engage the Commission, submit the required documentation, and regularise their positions before the deadline lapses.
The Nigerian Communications Commission is the statutory regulator of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, charged with licensing, supervision, and enforcement to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and maintain order and accountability within the fast-evolving communications sector.
