By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Dr. Aminu Maida as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), it marked a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey towards digital transformation. Known for his visionary leadership and extensive experience in technology and communications, Dr. Maida took office with a promise to propel Nigeria into the league of global digital economies, aligning his agenda with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Maida outlined his vision for the NCC as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and national development. Recognizing the immense potential of the communications sector, he promised to foster an environment that encourages growth, attracts investment, and drives sustainable economic transformation.
Dr. Maida committed to building on the achievements of his predecessors while introducing bold new initiatives to address challenges such as limited broadband access, insufficient infrastructure, and digital literacy gaps.
Dr. Maida emphasized his resolve to bring broadband access to every corner of Nigeria. With the National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020–2025) serving as a guide, he promised to fast-track the rollout of high-speed internet services to underserved and rural areas. He described broadband as a “key enabler of economic growth” and pledged to reduce the digital divide across Nigeria.
Maida highlighted his ambition to position Nigeria as a global hub for emerging technologies. He promised to advance the deployment of 5G networks and explore opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, he assured Nigerians of a thriving digital ecosystem capable of driving innovation and job creation.
Dr. Maida pledged to champion digital inclusion as a cornerstone of his administration. His focus would be on ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups are empowered with the tools and skills to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. He vowed to expand access to digital resources through initiatives like the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
Another key promise was to protect consumers’ rights while improving the quality of telecommunications services. Dr. Maida assured Nigerians of regulatory frameworks that prioritize affordable, reliable, and secure communication services. He committed to addressing complaints and enhancing transparency in the sector.
He vowed to make Nigeria an attractive destination for foreign and local investments in the ICT sector. He promised to strengthen ties with international organizations, global tech giants, and development partners to foster growth and innovation. He also highlighted his determination to position Nigeria as a major player in the global digital economy by participating in international forums and shaping global policy discussions.
With the growing threats in the digital space, Dr. Maida emphasized his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. He promised to work closely with stakeholders to develop policies and frameworks that protect users’ data, combat cybercrime, and promote trust in digital platforms.
Dr. Maida’s promises reflect a deep alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places the digital economy at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategy. He pledged to work closely with Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, to create a seamless synergy between government policies and the Commission’s regulatory efforts.
Dr. Maida however called on all stakeholders—industry players, government agencies, and the general public—to join hands in building a resilient, inclusive, and innovative communications sector. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Together, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy, empowering every citizen and positioning our nation as a leader in the comity of digital nations
