We’ll Tackle Legal, Regulatory Challenges To Unlock Sector Potential -NCC Boss
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has said that the Communications sector remains a vital enabler of innovation, commerce, governance, and inclusion, therefore, efforts must be intensified to fully unlock its potential.
This, according to him, is possible if efforts are strategically deployed to tackle a range of challenges that cut across legal, regulatory, fiscal, and operational domains.
Dr. Maida spoke on Wednesday at the 1st Annual Workshop for Attorneys-General on Emerging Issues in the Communications Sector, with the theme “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria,” held in Ikeja, Lagos.
The EVC said the theme of the workshop reflects the Commission’s belief that collaboration is not optional, but essential, as no sector, especially one as dynamic and impactful as communications, could be effectively regulated in isolation.
He explained that the workshop was designed to address some of the most pressing issues in the sector, including: A review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), by reflecting on its strengths, limitations, and areas for reform to ensure it remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving digital age.
He said the workshop was also put together to streamline taxation in the communications sector, stating that the issue of multiple and inconsistent taxes continues to deter investment.
“We must work together to harmonize tax regimes and remove disincentives to growth,” he added.
Dr. Maida further stated that the workshop was intended to address regulatory overlaps, saying that fragmented oversight creates confusion and inefficiencies.
“Our goal is to explore reforms that enhance coordination and legal clarity across agencies,” he added.
The NCC boss also stated that following the 2024 Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the designation of communications infrastructure as CNII gives the Commission a new framework for collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to operationalize it effectively.
He said as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation, underpinned by technologies such as AI, IoT, and high-speed connectivity, the challenges would grow more complex, but so too would the opportunities.
To succeed, therefore, he said, “we must adopt a Whole-of-Government approach that leverages the strengths of all institutions—federal and state.”
He underscored the need for collaboration to tackle the expected challenges in the sector.
“Since the early 2000s, communications regulation has evolved through distinct phases—from liberalising markets and establishing independent regulators, to expanding broadband infrastructure and fostering universal access.
“In the 2010s, attention shifted to protecting consumers, enabling digital financial services, and addressing cross-sectoral challenges.
“Today, regulators are focused on advanced frontiers such as AI governance, digital resilience, and sustainable connectivity.
“Throughout this journey, one constant remains: collaborative, forward looking regulation is essential to sustaining innovation and inclusive digital growth,” he said.
While expressing his sincere gratitude to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his presence at the event, which according to him, reaffirmed the importance the Federal Government places on institutional synergy and policy cohesion, Dr. Maida pledged the Commission’s commitment to working with him to align regulatory actions with broader national goals.
