By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, marking the first major overhaul of the framework in nearly three decades.
The move, announced on Monday, February 9, 2026, signals the regulator’s effort to align the country’s telecoms policy with the realities of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
In a consultation document released to the public, the Commission invited feedback from industry stakeholders, policymakers, telecom operators, and members of the public as part of what it described as a participatory regulatory process.
According to the NCC, the proposed review is designed to modernise the existing policy framework and address persistent challenges within the sector. Among the key issues under consideration are multiple taxation and overlapping regulatory requirements, which operators say continue to impose significant operational burdens.
The review comes 26 years after the original policy was introduced and represents the most far-reaching attempt yet to update the regulatory foundation guiding Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Head of Legal and Regulatory Services (LRS) at the NCC, Whyte represented at the announcement by the Deputy Director of LRS—stated that the Commission is empowered under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to develop and amend regulatory instruments in line with its mandate to govern the communications sector.
“Several amendments and new provisions have been made to key instruments, which will be reviewed during this public inquiry, reflecting the Commission’s participatory approach to regulation,” Whyte said.
The outcome of the review is expected to shape the future direction of broadband expansion, digital infrastructure investment, and regulatory coordination across Nigeria’s communications landscape.
