By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is poised for a strategic turning point as Africa Hyperscalers prepares to host the MVNO Nigeria 2025 Summit in Lagos on May 21. The event comes on the heels of the issuance of 43 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licenses by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), setting the stage for a fresh wave of competition and innovation.
Titled “Unlocking Growth, Competition & Connectivity,” the summit aims to address critical hurdles and emerging opportunities within the sector. Organizers say it will serve as more than a traditional conference, positioning itself as a “working session” for stakeholders across the telecom value chain.
“This is not just another industry event—it’s a strategic convening of the minds driving the next wave of connectivity in Nigeria,” the organizers noted in a statement.
Top executives from licensed MVNOs, major network operators, regulatory bodies, and technology providers will converge to explore how to foster trust, transparency, and collaboration between MVNOs and their host operators. Key focus areas include regulatory compliance, cost reduction, and the rollout of innovative digital services.
Central to the discussions is the NCC’s MVNO licensing framework, which has sparked both optimism and tension. Industry leaders are expected to address ongoing friction between MVNOs and mobile network operators and propose sustainable solutions to bridge those gaps.
The summit will also highlight untapped markets such as rural broadband access, enterprise connectivity, fintech inclusion, and Internet of Things (IoT) services. International case studies will offer insights into how MVNOs in other regions have achieved profitability through targeted strategies and strong partnerships.
Prominent speakers include Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; Dr Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres; Olusola Teniola of ipNX; and Ayo Oladejo of DigiPractice. These thought leaders will headline keynotes, panel discussions, and closed-door sessions aimed at aligning policy, partnerships, and market execution.
