Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman and chief executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has echoed the need to re-examine and amend the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Speaking today at the opening of a two-day Colloquium on a Legislative Agenda: The Nigerian Communications Act 2003”, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Maida said that with the global telecommunications industry currently undergoing a seismic shift, driven by disruptive technologies such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, Internet of Things, Blockchain and more, amendment of the Act has become inevitable.
He said that the Act enacted 22 years ago opened up Nigeria’s telecommunications space.
In the EVC’s words: “Mobile subscriptions have grown from less than 300,000 in 2001 to over 150 million today, internet penetration has surged, connecting millions to the digital economy, while the telecommunications sector contribution to the Nigeria, to Nigeria’s GDP, has risen to approximately 14% as of the third quarter of 2024.
“But, beyond statistics, the ACT has enabled transformative innovations in various sectors through mobile banking, e-commerce, Digital Communications, e-learning, all that have redefined how Nigerians live, work and interact.
“These milestones are a testament to the vision of the parliament in enacting the Act, the resilience of the industry players and the trust of Nigerian consumers.
“They reflect the power of collaboration between the legislator, regulator, operators and stakeholders in building a sector that has become a global model for telecommunications liberalization in emerging markets”.
He however said that as the country celebrates these milestones stakeholders must confront the reality that progress is not a destination, but a journey; one that demands constant adaptation to an ever evolving landscape.
“The global telecommunications industry is currently undergoing a seismic shift, driven by disruptive technologies such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, Internet of Things, Blockchain and I can go on all day.
“These advancements promise unprecedented opportunities, but also pose complex challenges in Nigeria. While urban centers enjoy robust connectivity, rural and underserved communities still grapple with limited access, highlighting the persistent Digital Divide infrastructure deficits, including inadequate power supply and the high cost of right of way approvals, to mention a few, hinder the expansion of our digital infrastructure.
“Cyber security threats loom large as our reliance on digital platforms grows, with Nigeria recording a significant uptick in cyber-attacks targeting critical sectors.
“Moreover, the economics of the telecom industry are on the street. Operators face rising operational costs, exaggerated by inflation, currency volatility and the need for substantial capital investments to deploy next generation technologies to keep up with the needs of our ever evolving digital lives.
“Consumers, while demanding faster, cheaper and more reliable service, often face affordability constraints, particularly in low income communities.
“These challenges underscore critical truth: While the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 was a visionary for its time, the realities of 2025 require us to re-examine its provisions to ensure the main fit for purpose”.
While describing the colloquium as both timely and strategic, Dr. Maida said “It offers us a rare opportunity to take stock of the ACT’s strength, address its gaps and reimagine its role empowering Nigeria’s digital future.
“The theme of this event, ‘The Nigerian Communications Act 2003; 22 Years After-Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directors for a Digital Nigeria’, evaluating the acts impacts, identifying challenges and exploring future directions resonates deeply with the Commission’s mandate to foster and enabling environment for innovation, competition and consumer empowerment, as well as, of course, the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the strategic blueprint of the Honorable Minister of Communication, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
“The task before us is monumental, but so is our collective resolve. The Commission stands ready to collaborate, as always, with the National Assembly, industry stakeholders and international partners to translate today’s insights into actionable reforms.
“We envision a revised Nigeria Communications Act that not only addresses today’s challenges but anticipates tomorrow’s opportunities, a framework that would position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy”.
The EVC thanked the keynote speakers, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, first lady of Nigeria; the legislators – members of the House of Representatives – led by Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, who was represented by Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle, deputy Whip; Peter Ohiozojeh Akpatason, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communications, amongst others for convening the colloquium with the confidence that the deliberations will lead to the amendment of the Communications Act 2003 for a robust digital economy.
