Nigeria: Nigerian Communications Commission closes consultation on Draft Licensing Regulations 2025 including merger control regulation

On 31 October 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) closes the public consultation, open since 9 October 2025, on the Draft Licensing Regulations 2025. The draft restricts the grant of new licences to entities holding controlling interests in existing licensees where market dominance or cross-ownership may arise. It requires prior approval for the transfer of licences, shares, or corporate restructuring and prohibits the use of licences as security interests. The NCC retains discretion to withhold authorisation or revoke licences to preserve competition in the communications market.