By Moses Okorie
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has suspended issuance of licences for Interconnect Exchange Licence, Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence, and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence siting the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 as its source of powers to take such decision.
NCC stated this in a release issued by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Friday in Abuja, saying this temporary suspension is necessary to enable the Commission to conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.
The Commission said: “In line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to grant and renew licences, promote fair competition and develop the Communications Industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (the Commission) hereby informs all stakeholders of a temporary suspension on issuance of new licences.
“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17th of May, 2024, new application for the aforementioned licences will not be accepted. This is without prejudice to pending applications before the Commission which will be considered on their merits”.
NCC said any enquiries or clarifications in respect of this suspension notice should be forwarded to: licensing@ncc.gov.ng.