Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, the country’s telecom regulator, has set a 45-day deadline effective December 17, 2025 for licensees who have shuffled their shareholding structure above the statutory 10per cent threshold or face stiff sanctions. The Commission said this directive is pursuant to its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act NCA, 2003.

According to a memo posted on its website (www.ncc.gov.ng), the Commission urged the affected organisations to effectively utilise the opportunity offered by the 45-day grace period, after which stiff sanctions including fines would be applied on those whose shareholding structure exceeds the 10per cent threshold.

According to the memo, the directive is aimed at tightening its oversight functions in Nigeria’s fast-evolving telecom sector by ensuring that all major ownership shifts among the licensees are duly approved by the Commission to conform to the country’s statutory requirements.

The NCC further stated that the notice was issued pursuant to Regulations 41, 42 and 43 of the Licensing Regulations, 2019, which require licensees to obtain prior approval from the Commission before effecting significant changes in ownership or control.