Regulatory Update: NCC Introduces New Licensing Regime for International A2P Messaging Aggregators

NCC Introduces New Licensing Regime for International A2P Messaging Aggregators

On 8 July 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (the “Commission”) (NCC) announced the introduction of a new licensing framework for the aggregation and termination of international Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging traffic into Nigeria. This marks a significant regulatory shift from a previously unregulated regime to a centralised and structured model, aimed at improving transparency, eliminating fraud and enhancing national revenue from international messaging services.

Key Highlights

Introduction of a New Licence Category

The International A2P Messaging Aggregator Service Licence is now required for all entities seeking to aggregate and terminate international A2P messages (e.g., SMS, MMS and similar formats) into Nigeria. This includes messages related to transaction alerts, verification codes, promotional messages and customer notifications originating from foreign applications.

Mandatory Centralised Gateway

All inbound international A2P messaging traffic must now be routed through a single NCC-approved gateway. Licensees are required to integrate with this gateway and may no longer rely on private bilateral arrangements with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be corporate entities duly incorporated in Nigeria.

Demonstrate technical and financial capacity to deliver the service.

Show evidence of a contract with at least one licensed Nigerian network operator.

Identify only one technical partner, where applicable.

Importantly, MNOs are expressly ineligible to apply for the licence.

Scope and Limitations of the Licence

The licence:

Authorises aggregation and delivery of international A2P messages only.

Does not permit operation of telecoms infrastructure, fibre networks, switches or access to International Signaling Point Codes (ISPCs) or numbering resources.

Requires implementation of opt-in/opt-out features and compliance with data protection obligations.

Licensing Fees and Charges

Application Fee: ₦10,000,000

Administrative Charge: ₦500,000 (non-refundable, payable at submission)

Application Deadline

Completed applications must be submitted by 15 July 2025, seven days from the date of the Public Notice. Late submissions will not be considered.

Licence Tenure and Renewal

Valid for an initial term of five (5) years, renewable for an additional five years.

Renewal is subject to regulatory compliance, reporting obligations and payment of applicable fees.

Licensees must notify the Commission of their intent to renew at least six months prior to expiration.

Tariff Regulation

The NCC will regulate termination pricing and set standardised rates. Licensees are required to apply these rates uniformly and transparently to avoid market distortion.

Enforcement and Compliance Measures

Breaches such as failure to integrate with the gateway, spamming, use of unregistered sender IDs or data protection violations may attract sanctions, including:

Monetary fines

Suspension of operations

Revocation of licence

The NCC reserves the right to conduct audits and enforce compliance with all regulatory conditions.

Interconnection and Integration Obligations

Licensees must:

Interconnect with MNOs and other licensed service providers.

Integrate with the NCC’s SMS firewall and routing gateway within prescribed timelines.

Execute NCC-approved Interconnect Agreements.

The NCC’s introduction of the International A2P Messaging Aggregator Service Licence is a bold and timely regulatory measure designed to bring long-overdue oversight to Nigeria’s cross-border messaging ecosystem. It ensures regulatory visibility, curbs fraud and secures economic value for the Nigerian telecommunications sector. Industry players seeking to engage in international A2P messaging must now do so within the clear and formal structure prescribed by the Commission.