The Federal Government has announced plans to review the proposed acquisition of IHS Towers by MTN Group, citing concerns over national interest, market structure and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed the decision following MTN Group’s announcement of a $6.2 billion all-cash agreement to acquire IHS Towers. The deal, if completed, would see MTN Group take full ownership of the tower company, delist it from the market and convert it into a wholly owned subsidiary.
Brandspur Politics reports that the minister said the review would be conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to assess the transaction’s implications for national security, economic growth, financial services, innovation and social inclusion. He stressed that telecommunications infrastructure remains a strategic asset and must align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope policy agenda.
According to Tijani, the government’s objective is to ensure that any form of market consolidation protects consumers, safeguards existing investments and preserves the long-term health of the telecoms industry. He added that the administration remains committed to maintaining a stable, transparent and forward-looking policy environment capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.
Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/02/19/kraft-heinz-plans-us950m-capital-spending-in-2026/
The minister noted that the current administration has taken deliberate steps to stabilise and strengthen the telecommunications sector through policy clarity, regulatory support and sustained engagement with industry stakeholders. He said recent financial results from major operators point to improved profitability, renewed infrastructure investment and increased operational stability across the industry.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission has invited industry stakeholders to submit written contributions as part of the ongoing review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000. The consultation paper has been published on the Commission’s website, with March 20, 2026, set as the deadline for submissions.
The policy review follows the inauguration of a Ministerial Steering Committee and a Ministerial Technical Committee to drive the process. The NCC said the exercise is aimed at producing a new National Telecommunications Policy by 2026, reflecting developments in areas such as spectrum management, broadband penetration, universal access, net neutrality and quality of service.
Regulators said the revised policy is expected to address the rapid changes that have occurred in the communications sector over the past 25 years and provide a framework that supports innovation, investment and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecoms industry.
