Maida showcases NCC’s consumer-centric regulatory vision at ITU summit

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to data-driven regulation, transparency, and consumer empowerment as Nigeria continues to position itself at the forefront of global telecommunications governance.

Maida made the remarks while participating in a high-level panel session at the Global Symposium for Regulators held in Ankara, Turkey, earlier this month.

Organised annually by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the symposium brings together telecommunications regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the world to exchange ideas, share regulatory best practices, and discuss emerging challenges in the digital ecosystem.

A major outcome of this year’s gathering was the endorsement of the “2026 Best Practice Guidelines: Regulatory Governance Essentials,” a comprehensive digital regulation toolkit aimed at helping regulators navigate increasingly complex digital markets shaped by technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, satellite communications, and other emerging innovations.

Maida participated in a panel discussion titled “Harnessing the Power of Transformative Tech: Regulatory Approaches,” alongside leading global regulators and industry experts, including Carlos Manuel Baigorri, President of Brazil’s telecommunications regulator ANATEL; Philip Marnick; and Donna Bethea-Murphy of Viasat Inc.

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The session examined how regulatory frameworks can maximize the benefits of transformative technologies while ensuring accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth within digital markets.

Speaking during the discussion, Maida highlighted the NCC’s ongoing efforts to modernize regulatory oversight through the use of digital tools and data intelligence.

According to him, the Commission is transitioning from traditional data collection practices to a more advanced system that leverages data analytics to improve decision-making, enhance transparency, and empower consumers.

“It was an opportunity to share what we have been building at the NCC—a regulatory system that prioritises data and transparency; how we are moving from data collection to data intelligence, and from mere public transparency to transparency that empowers the consumer and holds the operator more accountable,” he said.

The NCC chief explained that several digital initiatives introduced by the Commission are already helping consumers make more informed decisions while strengthening oversight of telecommunications operators.

These initiatives include Public Maps, industry statistics reports, Quarterly Network Performance Reports, and simplified reporting frameworks designed to provide subscribers with clearer insights into network quality and service delivery.

One of the Commission’s flagship consumer-focused tools is the NCC Public Maps platform, which allows subscribers to verify network coverage and service quality in various locations before selecting a service provider.

Maida noted that these initiatives not only improve consumer awareness but also support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by promoting transparency and accountability within the telecommunications sector.

During the Regulators’ Roundtable session, he also outlined key areas of focus for Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, including efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and responsible conduct across the internet ecosystem through the implementation of the Internet Code of Practice.

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He further highlighted the Commission’s Cyber Resilience Framework, which seeks to improve the security and resilience of telecommunications infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

Another strategic priority, according to Maida, is enhancing collaboration among government agencies and public institutions to create a coordinated approach to digital market governance.

He emphasized the importance of developing an incentive-based telecommunications market through effective spectrum management and infrastructure regulation, describing these measures as essential for attracting investment and accelerating broadband penetration across the country.

The NCC has in recent years intensified efforts to improve transparency by regularly publishing Quality of Service reports, network performance assessments, and industry data aimed at providing stakeholders with accurate and actionable information.

Maida said the Commission remains committed to aligning Nigeria’s regulatory framework with global best practices while ensuring that policies are adapted to meet local realities and market conditions.

The NCC’s participation at the global symposium highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in international telecommunications policy discussions, as regulators worldwide increasingly seek collaborative approaches to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly evolving digital technologies.