The Federal Government of Nigeria has sent a clear message to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and industry stakeholders that the country cannot wait another two decades to update its telecommunications laws.
The government stressed that technology is moving too fast for Nigeria to rely on outdated rules.
Why is the Policy Being Reviewed Now?
The current rules guiding phone networks and internet services in Nigeria were made in the year 2000. While that old policy helped bring mobile phones (GSM) to Nigeria, a lot has changed since then.
Back in 2000, people mostly used phones just to make voice calls and send SMS text messages. Today, the telecommunications sector is the backbone of daily life, powering:
• Online Banking and Fintech: Sending and receiving money instantly.
• E-Commerce: Buying and selling goods online.
• Social Media and Entertainment: Streaming videos and connecting with the world.
• Public Services: Helping the government deliver services digitally.
Speaking at a special workshop in Lagos, Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, made it clear that a policy written 26 years ago cannot properly handle the digital needs of today.
Key Areas the New Policy Will Fix
The government and the NCC are rewriting the rules to make sure Nigeria’s digital economy can grow safely and quickly. The new framework will focus on:
• Better Service Quality: Forcing phone networks to fix dropped calls, slow internet, and poor network signals.
• Protecting Infrastructure: Creating strict rules to protect fiber cables and network towers from thieves and vandals.
• Rural Internet Access: Using satellites and new technology to bring internet to villages and remote areas where cables cannot reach.
• Cheaper Internet and Smartphones: Finding ways to lower costs so that every Nigerian can afford to go online.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, agreed that regulation must change. He noted that the NCC’s job is no longer just watching over phone companies, but guiding the entire digital growth of the nation.
Moving forward, the government intends to review these policies much more frequently. By keeping the rules fresh and modern, Nigeria aims to build a stronger economy, protect phone users, and make sure internet services are fast, reliable, and affordable for everyone.
To see a discussion on how this update will impact the country’s technology landscape, watch this report on the NCC Telecom Policy Review.
