Nigeria Moves to Evaluate Strategic Impact of MTN–IHS Towers Transaction
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry said the review would be conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to evaluate the potential impact of the transaction on the telecommunications sector.
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has confirmed it is assessing the proposed acquisition of IHS Towers by MTN Group, citing the strategic importance of telecommunications infrastructure to Nigeria’s economy and national development goals.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry said the review would be conducted in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to evaluate the potential impact of the transaction on the telecommunications sector.
The Ministry noted that over the past two years, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the administration has taken deliberate steps to stabilise and strengthen the telecoms industry as a core pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy. These efforts, it said, have focused on policy clarity, regulatory support, and sustained engagement with industry stakeholders to improve long-term sustainability and investor confidence.
According to the Ministry, recent financial results from major operators point to a return to improved profitability, increased investment in telecoms infrastructure, and greater operational stability across the sector. It said this progress reflects both the resilience of the industry and the impact of ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring its long-term viability and ability to deliver reliable connectivity to Nigerians.
Given the strategic role of telecommunications infrastructure in national security, economic growth, financial services, innovation, and social inclusion, the Ministry said it would closely examine whether the proposed transaction aligns with the government’s market development agenda under the President’s Renewed Hope policy framework.
The assessment will focus on ensuring that any market consolidation or structural changes protect consumers, safeguard investments, and preserve the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The statement was signed by Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent, and forward-looking policy environment for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
The proposed acquisition would see MTN move to acquire full ownership of IHS Towers, one of the largest independent telecom tower operators in Africa, subject to regulatory approvals.
