NCC launches review of 25-year-old telecom policy to drive Nigeria’s digital future
Orisemeke Benjamin
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has kicked off a major review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000, the blueprint that has shaped the sector for over 25 years.
Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida announced the initiative during his keynote at the Enugu Tech Fest, hosted by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. He called for sustained vision, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to build an innovation-led digital economy for Nigeria.
Maida hailed the festival as a showcase of the vibrant energy in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. “This event reflects the creativity and momentum building across our nation,” he said, praising Governor Mbah for fostering a platform that sparks ideas, partnerships, and tech-driven growth. Under Mbah’s leadership, Enugu is emerging as a key innovation hub.
Maida reflected on the sector’s remarkable transformation since 2000. Back then, Nigeria had fewer than 500,000 fixed telephone lines, signaling limited access and infrastructure. Today, the country has over 179 million mobile connections—a leap fueled by clear policies, regulatory stability, private investment, and long-term planning. These reforms sparked competition, expanded services nationwide, and integrated cutting-edge technologies.
This boom has connected millions and powered economic growth. Mobile banking, e-commerce, remote learning, and digital startups now thrive, proving how smart regulation and market liberalization deliver inclusive progress in a fast-evolving world.
Yet, with breakthroughs like 5G, broadband, satellite tech, AI, and data services outpacing the 2000 policy, Maida stressed the need for an update. The NCC has released a consultation paper, inviting stakeholder input to shape a modern National Telecommunications Policy—possibly NTP 2026.
“The next National Telecommunications Policy must embrace and drive innovation while fostering a regulatory environment responsive to emerging technologies,” Maida declared.
The review targets key issues: broadband access, universal service, spectrum management, service quality, and digital inclusion. It aligns with national goals under the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to boost prosperity via tech efficiency.
The process promises inclusivity, engaging government bodies, private firms, experts, civil society, and the public. Stakeholders must submit written contributions by the deadline, ensuring the policy captures diverse views before approval.
This move comes amid a surging digital economy. NCC data for late 2025 shows 179.6 million active mobile subscriptions, skyrocketing data use, and rising 4G/5G adoption. The review aims to lock in these wins while fixing gaps in connectivity, affordability, and network resilience.
Maida’s Enugu address signals Nigeria’s ambition to compete globally, where innovation and connectivity fuel growth. Updating the policy will empower young innovators, draw investors, and ensure tech benefits all.
As consultations ramp up, success hinges on collaboration. A forward-thinking policy could propel Nigeria into an innovation-driven digital era.
