By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has, in recent years, reinforced its position as one of Nigeria’s most strategic public institutions, driving the transformation of the telecommunications sector and strengthening the foundations of the nation’s digital economy.
Established as the independent regulator of the telecoms industry, the Commission’s mandate spans licensing and regulation of operators, spectrum management, consumer protection, industry facilitation, investment promotion, and the enforcement of quality-of-service standards.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and with strategic supervision from the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the NCC has pursued an ambitious reform and expansion agenda aligned with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020–2030, ensuring that regulation keeps pace with innovation while safeguarding national and consumer interests.
A defining moment in this transformation came in October 2023 with the appointment of Dr. Aminu Maida as Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission. His leadership ushered in a new regulatory direction anchored on data-driven decision-making, transparency, collaboration, and long-term sector sustainability.
Since assuming office, Dr. Maida has prioritized broadband expansion, digital inclusion, consumer empowerment, infrastructure protection, and stronger sector governance, repositioning the NCC as both a firm regulator and a development-focused enabler of growth. This approach has helped restore investor confidence, deepen stakeholder engagement, and enhance regulatory predictability in an increasingly complex digital environment.
One of the most visible outcomes of this leadership has been the accelerated growth in broadband and internet access across Nigeria. With over 140 million internet users and broadband penetration approaching 49 per cent as of 2025, the country has recorded significant progress in expanding digital access.
The NCC has translated the National Broadband Plan into actionable strategies that promote infrastructure rollout, reduce barriers to fibre deployment, and strengthen collaboration with state governments.
A major breakthrough in this regard has been sustained advocacy for Right of Way reforms, which has seen several states waive or significantly reduce RoW charges, lowering deployment costs and unlocking over one billion dollars in new broadband investments.
These reforms have improved connectivity, particularly in previously underserved areas, while creating a more attractive environment for private sector participation.
At the same time, the Commission has maintained steady momentum in the deployment of next-generation networks, including 5G, by providing clear, supportive, and globally aligned regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while addressing public concerns around safety, quality, and security.
Consumer protection has also remained central to the NCC’s reform agenda. Through tariff simplification guidelines, the Commission has promoted billing transparency and eliminated hidden charges, empowering subscribers with clearer information and greater confidence in telecom services.
The introduction of a Major Network Outage Incident Reporting Portal has further strengthened accountability by requiring operators to report service disruptions promptly and compensate affected consumers where necessary.
In addition, the shift from traditional Quality of Service measurements to Quality of Experience monitoring reflects a modern regulatory outlook that prioritizes the real-life experience of users through real-time and data-driven performance assessments.
The NCC’s role in national security and digital trust has been reinforced through its coordination of the NIN–SIM linkage policy, which has resulted in the successful linkage of over 150 million SIM cards to verified identities.
This initiative has strengthened the integrity of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem while supporting broader efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. Recognising the growing cyber risks associated with increased digital adoption, the Commission has also developed comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks and played a leading role in operationalising the Critical National Information Infrastructure Presidential Order signed in 2024.
This policy, now being enforced through coordinated efforts involving the NCC and national security agencies, provides legal protection for telecom infrastructure against vandalism and sabotage, affirming its status as a critical national asset.
Beyond infrastructure and consumer-focused reforms, the Commission has taken deliberate steps to enhance sector governance and financial stability.
Revised corporate governance guidelines have strengthened transparency, internal controls, and risk management across the industry, while proactive regulatory interventions have helped resolve long-standing disputes, including USSD-related issues between telecom operators and financial institutions.
By introducing direct end-user billing frameworks, the NCC has helped stabilise mobile financial services and safeguard the broader digital payments ecosystem.
Looking to the future, the Commission is also fostering innovation and inclusion through initiatives such as a proposed regulatory sandbox under a General Authorisation Framework, which will allow startups and innovators to test new solutions in a controlled and supportive regulatory environment, while ongoing partnerships continue to build regulatory capacity, improve quality monitoring, and enhance sector analytics. The economic impact of these interventions has been substantial.
The telecommunications sector remains one of Nigeria’s strongest contributors to national output, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of GDP at peak periods and supporting millions of jobs across the value chain. In recognition of its performance, transparency, and efficiency, the NCC has been ranked among the top-performing federal agencies, reflecting the effectiveness of its reforms and the professionalism of its leadership.
While challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, access constraints, and rural service gaps remain, the Commission’s strategic focus on broadband expansion, digital inclusion, cybersecurity readiness, and stakeholder collaboration provides a clear pathway forward.
Under the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, and within the policy direction of the Tinubu administration and the supervision of Minister Bosun Tijani, the Nigerian Communications Commission has demonstrated how purposeful regulation can drive national development.
This period represents a defining chapter in Nigeria’s digital journey, one in which regulatory foresight, institutional reforms, and collaborative governance are steadily transforming the telecommunications sector into a resilient engine for economic growth, innovation, and inclusive digital prosperity.
* Aliagan is the Managing Editor, Time Nigeria Magazine and can be reached via: 08034339411
