The Nigerian government has announced it will thoroughly review MTN Group’s planned takeover of IHS Towers to determine how the transaction aligns with the nation’s telecommunications goals and long‑term digital economy strategy.
The deal, under which MTN Group intends to acquire the remaining stake in IHS Towers, one of Africa’s largest independent telecom infrastructure firms in a transaction valued at about $6.2 billion, has drawn heightened regulatory attention from Abuja.
In a statement, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said the review will be carried out in collaboration with relevant regulators to assess the potential sector‑wide effects of the acquisition. The government’s aim, he said, is to safeguard long‑term sustainability, protect consumers, and ensure that structural changes support Nigeria’s broader digital ambitions.
Tijani highlighted the strategic importance of telecommunications infrastructure to national security, economic growth, and emerging sectors such as financial services and innovation. He noted that recent reforms have helped stabilize and strengthen the industry, improving profitability and investor confidence among telecom operators.
Given the scale of the MTN‑IHS transaction, the ministry said it is imperative to closely evaluate how the acquisition might impact competition, investment flows, network performance, and Nigeria’s role in the evolving digital landscape. The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent regulatory environment that fosters connectivity, innovation and economic inclusion.
The review reflects increased government scrutiny over major deals in critical infrastructure sectors, especially where market consolidation could have far‑reaching implications for consumers and national interests.
