NCC Invites Stakeholder Input as Nigeria Embarks on First Telecoms Policy Review in 25 Years
Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a public consultation process for the review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, marking the first comprehensive overhaul of the country’s telecoms framework in over two decades.
The Commission announced Friday, March 20, 2026, as the deadline for stakeholders to submit written contributions to the ongoing review, which aims to address the dramatic transformation of Nigeria’s communications landscape since the policy’s inception.
From 500,000 to 180 Million Connections
Speaking on the review, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the remarkable growth achieved under the NTP 2000, noting that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has expanded from a mere 500,000 lines 25 years ago to almost 180 million active mobile connections as of December 2026.
“The NTP 2000 has been instrumental to advancing Nigeria’s telecom sector from where it was 25 years ago,” Dr. Maida stated in the published consultation paper. “One of the gaps that the revised policy seeks to address is the increased demand for data services and its externalities.”
Multi-layered Consultation Process
The consultation process, conducted under Section 24(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, represents the first step in developing the NTP 2026. Stakeholders have been invited to submit their contributions either directly to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO or via the dedicated email: stakeholders@ncc.gov.ng.
Dr. Maida emphasized that this is only the beginning of a comprehensive engagement process. “This is a first step in the consultation process and there will be other layers of engagements, to ensure that the final draft accommodates varied expertise, feedback and inputs from a cross section of stakeholders,” he explained.
Ministerial Backing and Strategic Alignment
The review follows the inauguration of a Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) and a Ministerial Technical Committee (MTC) by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
The policy revision aligns with the Minister’s Strategic Blueprint – “Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency” – which identifies core areas requiring attention, including spectrum management, universal access, broadband penetration, net neutrality, and quality of service (QoS).
15 Key Policy Proposals Under Review
The consultation paper outlines 15 key policy proposals forming the baseline for the review. These proposals address critical areas including industry regulation, sustainability, emerging technologies, and national security concerns – issues that have emerged or evolved significantly since 2000.
Broad Stakeholder Participation Welcome
According to the EVC, the consultation is open to a wide range of participants including licensees in the Nigerian communications sector, consumers, government agencies, international partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), individuals, and other interested stakeholders.
“He implored stakeholders to take the opportunity to participate in developing the policy that will take the communications sector to the next level after the immeasurable successes attained since 2000,” the Commission stated.
Historical Context
The NTP 2000 marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications history, replacing the 1998 Policy and ushering in an era of liberalization, modernization, and competition under the country’s nascent democratic government. The policy successfully paved the way for mobile telephony growth and laid the foundation for the NCA 2003 through its focus on market deregulation and stakeholder consultation.
Following the initial consultation phase, the first draft of NTP 2026 will undergo further reviews before being subjected to statutory policy approval and validation processes.
Ends
For more information, stakeholders may contact:
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha
Head, Public Affairs
Nigerian Communications Commission
Email: stakeholders@ncc.gov.ng
