The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated a comprehensive review of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003, aiming to realign the law with the demands of today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape and technological innovations.
Speaking at a high-level colloquium held in Lagos on Tuesday, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the two-decade-old legislation has become increasingly inadequate for regulating the modern communications sector.
Themed “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003: 22 Years After — Challenges, Opportunities and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria,” the event convened lawmakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to explore how the Act can be adapted for a digital-first future.
Dr. Maida highlighted that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and blockchain are fundamentally reshaping the communications and digital economy.
However, he noted that the current Act does not sufficiently account for the opportunities and risks these technologies bring.
“The reality of 2025 demands we reimagine Nigeria’s digital future. A revised Communications Act must anticipate opportunities, not merely respond to challenges,” he stated.
Beyond the tech gaps, Maida pointed to persistent infrastructure and regulatory challenges including inconsistent power supply, expensive Right of Way (RoW) approvals, rising operational costs, and limited broadband penetration in underserved areas—all of which hinder Nigeria’s digital progress.
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Despite these challenges, Maida acknowledged the transformative role the existing NCA has played in liberalizing the telecom sector.
He cited its success in dismantling monopolies, encouraging private sector participation, and facilitating the explosive growth in mobile phone usage—from fewer than 300,000 lines in 2001 to over 150 million active lines today.
“Today, telecommunications contributes approximately 14% to Nigeria’s GDP, powered by innovations in mobile banking, e-commerce, and digital education,” he noted.
Dr. Maida commended the National Assembly for initiating the review process and affirmed the NCC’s commitment to working with legislators, private sector stakeholders, and global partners to develop a future-proof regulatory framework.
House Committee on Communications Chairman, Hon. Peter Akpatason, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the strategic importance of the review. He called for urgent legislative updates to address pressing issues such as 5G rollout, AI governance, cybersecurity, and the urban-rural digital divide.
“This review is long overdue. We must act now to ensure that our legal frameworks enable innovation, protect citizens, and drive inclusive economic growth,” Akpatason urged.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Whip Isiaka Ayokunle, reiterated the vital role of the communications sector in national development.
While praising gains in e-commerce and mobile financial services, he raised alarms over the rise in cybersecurity threats, which he said could undermine the trust required for digital advancement.
Abbas highlighted recent legislative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, including the Cybercrime Act, the Nigerian Data Protection Act, and the Startup Act, which collectively aim to boost digital trust, protect data, and foster innovation.
“This colloquium must not be just a talk shop. We expect actionable recommendations that will shape meaningful reforms in the Communications Act,” he said.