NCC Begins Public Consultation To Replace 25-Year-Old Telecoms Policy
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a nationwide consultation to replace the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, describing the exercise as a critical step toward modernising Nigeria’s communications framework after 25 years of implementation.
NCC while announcing this in a statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha , said it is seeking written inputs from stakeholders on the review, following the publication of a consultation paper on its website.
Submissions are expected on or before March 20, 2026, in line with provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, which mandates public consultation in policy formulation and review.
The policy review is being undertaken under the supervision of Ministerial Steering and Technical Committees inaugurated by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to guide the development of a new policy framework suited to current industry realities.
According to the NCC, the revised policy will reflect the strategic priorities of the Federal Government, including improved spectrum management, expanded broadband access, net neutrality, universal service delivery and enhanced quality of service across the sector.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida, said the review process would result in a draft National Telecommunications Policy 2026, which would undergo further stakeholder engagement before final approval.
He noted that the existing NTP 2000 laid the foundation for the liberalisation and rapid growth of Nigeria’s telecoms industry, driving the expansion of mobile telephony and supporting the enactment of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
However, Maida said technological advancement and the increasing demand for data services now require a more responsive and future-focused policy direction.
The NCC said the consultation outcomes will support the work of the Ministerial Steering Committee and the Implementation Committee in producing a policy that addresses sustainability, emerging technologies, national security considerations and evolving consumer needs.
The Commission encouraged licensees, consumers, government agencies, civil society organisations and international partners to take advantage of the consultation process,.
NCC noted that broad participation would help ensure the new telecoms policy remains robust, inclusive and aligned with Nigeria’s digital economy aspirations.
