By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set March 20 as the deadline for stakeholder submissions in the ongoing review of Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Policy (NTP), as it moves to update the framework guiding the country’s communications sector.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the review is aimed at modernising the policy to address emerging realities in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
He noted that the telecommunications sector has witnessed remarkable growth — from about 500,000 connected lines in 2000 to nearly 180 million active mobile connections as of December 2026.
However, Maida explained that rising data demand and its associated challenges now require a forward-looking and responsive policy framework.
“This is a first step in the consultation process, and there will be other layers of engagement to ensure that the final draft reflects diverse expertise and broad stakeholder input,” he said.
The NCC boss urged licensees, consumers, government agencies, international partners, civil society organisations and other interested stakeholders to participate actively in shaping a policy that will guide the next phase of growth in Nigeria’s communications industry.
Maida recalled that the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 marked a turning point from the 1998 policy by promoting liberalisation, competition and market deregulation under Nigeria’s emerging democratic system. The reforms laid the foundation for the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.
According to him, the current review is structured around 15 key policy proposals covering regulation, industry sustainability, emerging technologies, national security and other strategic priorities.
He added that feedback received will guide amendments to the NTP in alignment with the objectives of the NCA 2003 and the realities of Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
