The Pervasive and Mobile Computing Research Group (PMCRG) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to release findings of a 2022 study on Nigeria’s telecommunications competition landscape.
The group of researchers made the appeal in a statement signed by Prof. Adeniran Oluwaranti, the Coordinator, PMCRG Africa Centre of Excellence, OAU ICT-Driven Knowledge Park on Monday.
The group said the request was made under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, which underscored PMCRG’s commitment to driving transparency and innovation in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving ICT sector.
According to them, 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.
They, however, noted that despite completion of the study, its findings had not yet been made public.
The PMCRG said it sought access to the report to support academic research, policy formation, and industry-wide innovations.
The group noted that the CIS segment was crucial to fostering competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
They noted that with the report’s findings, stakeholders would 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.
“The Africa Centre of Excellence, headquartered at Obafemi Awolowo University, is dedicated to advancing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education and innovation across Nigeria and the wider African sub-region.
“Our mission is to develop a regionally recognised model for ICT research and commercialisation, promote solutions to Africa’s pressing technological challenges through high-quality postgraduate education, research uptake and industry collaboration,” the researchers said.
They stated that by promoting equitable access to ICT and fostering start-ups from research activities, they bridged the digital divide and drove technological advancements that benefitted both urban and rural populations.
They noted that the FOI request, which aligned with both the Freedom of Information Act and Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, aimed at enhancing understanding of market dynamics in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
“Our postgraduate researchers are particularly keen to analyse the findings of this study.
“It will directly contribute to ongoing research projects focusing on telecommunications policy, infrastructure sharing and market behaviours.
“This will help us develop actionable strategies that align with our mission of fostering cutting-edge research into emerging technologies,” the researchers said.
They said the academia played a very crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s telecoms industry.
According to the group, by conducting independent research, academic institutions like OAU provide critical insights that can guide policy improvements, support infrastructure development, and ultimately foster growth of the telecoms industry.
They added this was part of a larger vision behind the centre of excellence, which the NCC recognised when it approved OAU as a center for telecommunications research and innovation.
The researchers explained that findings of the 2022 NCC study had the potential to impact both consumers and businesses significantly.
They said for consumers, the report could shed light on the level of competition in the telecoms market, helping regulators ensure fair pricing and service quality.
The group noted that for businesses on the other hand, the study could identify new opportunities for infrastructure sharing and improved market access.
“Ultimately, this report can lead to policy decisions that shape the future of Nigeria’s telecoms landscape, ensuring that it remains competitive and innovative.
“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 PMCRG stressed.(NAN)
