The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is licensing International Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging Aggregator Services in a move to tighten regulatory oversight, boost security, and enhance quality of international messaging traffic terminating in Nigeria.
The telecoms regulator says the new licensing regime introduces “a structured and transparent framework for managing the flow of international messaging traffic through the Commission’s authorised platform.”
The licensing framework excludes Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) from applying, according to the NCC. It also stipulates that any applicant relying on a technical partner may engage “one unique suitable and competent technical partner” only.
The application form for the A2P Messaging Aggregator Service Licence, the telecoms regulator says, is available for download on the NCC website via https://www.ncc.gov.ng/industry/licensing/apply-licence.
Interested applicants are advised to consult the A2P Messaging Framework on the NCC website for detailed guidance, including fee structure, operational scope, and other licence requirements. The Commission also states that a 5% non-refundable administrative fee—calculated from the total licence fee—is payable upon submission.
In a time-sensitive directive, the telecoms watchdog sets a strict deadline of seven days from the date of publication for submission of applications. “Any applications submitted after the deadline will not be entertained,” the NCC warns.
For further enquiries, applicants are directed to contact the Director of Licensing and Authorisation at the Commission.
International A2P Messaging Services in Nigeria: Key licensing requirements
The telecoms regulator outlines a robust set of requirements for companies seeking to obtain the new International Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging Aggregator Service licence, aimed at regulating and improving international messaging delivery into Nigeria. They include:
- Corporate Eligibility and Documentation Applicants must:
- Be a duly registered Nigerian company, providing:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (certified true copy)
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) status report
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
- Utility bill reflecting the company’s official address
- Submit profiles and passport photographs of directors and shareholders
- Show proof of qualified technical staff (where applicable)
- Ownership and Management Information Applicants must detail:
- Full list of directors with their addresses, nationalities, and emails
- Shareholders holding 5% or more equity
- Contact details of authorised representatives
- Feasibility Study A detailed Project Feasibility Report is mandatory and must cover:
- Business and market analysis
- Description of proposed services
- Technology, frequency, and billing systems to be used
- Grade of service and customer compensation plan
- Implementation timeline and growth projection
- Financials: Tariff structure, cash flow, funding sources, and sustainability
- Service location: National or regional scope, with detailed coverage plan
- Technical Requirements Applicants must:
- Demonstrate technical competence and management experience
- Provide a detailed system layout and end-to-end network architecture
- Prove integration capacity with local Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
- Submit clearance from the National Data Protection Commission for data security
- Show capability to route traffic via a centralised SMS firewall or NCC-approved tech
- Additional Compliance Requirements
- Application must be submitted in triplicate
- 5% of the licence fee is payable as a non-refundable administrative charge
- Companies must sign an undertaking confirming the accuracy of submitted data and willingness to comply with all licence conditions
- Deadline for application submission is seven days from the date of public notice.
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