NCC Commence Review Of National Telecommunications Policy After 26 Years

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a two-day Stakeholders’ Policy Review Workshop in Lagos to review the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000 amid rapid changes in the country’s digital landscape.

The workshop brought together stakeholders across the telecommunications and technology sectors to assess progress recorded since the policy was introduced and discuss new strategies for Nigeria’s digital future.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the communications sector had evolved into a major ecosystem influencing several aspects of the economy.

According to him, the current realities of the digital age require advanced policy frameworks that address emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, satellite broadband, the Internet of Things, critical infrastructure, digital sovereignty, and Quality of Experience.

Maida noted that connectivity was playing a growing role in economic development, citing estimates by the GSMA which showed that digitising sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and trade could add two per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

He added that such digital expansion could also create about two million jobs and generate N1.6tn in tax revenue.

The NCC boss further stressed the need for modern regulations to incorporate cybersecurity, data governance, digital financing, and online safety in order to balance innovation with trust and consumer protection.

He said the review of the policy was necessary to ensure Nigeria’s telecommunications sector remains responsive to emerging technologies and global digital trends.