Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, indicated yesterday that the Federal Government has sanctioned the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) initiative to revise the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.
She stated that Nigeria cannot establish a competitive digital economy with outdated telecommunications policies and ineffective implementation systems.
Usman disclosed this information at the National Telecommunications Policy Review Workshop organized by the NCC in Lagos yesterday.
She emphasized that the review is essential due to the rapidly changing landscape of the Information and Communications Technology sector, where the economy, technological ecosystem, security realities, and citizen expectations have significantly transformed over the last twenty years.
She remarked that telecommunications have progressed beyond mere voice connectivity and now encompass financial technology, digital commerce, education, healthcare, innovation, public service delivery, agriculture, and coordination of national security.
“A policy that was suitable for the year 2000 cannot be presumed to remain sufficient in 2026,” she stated.
Maida highlighted that revising the telecommunications policy is crucial to maintain competition, ensure universal access, protect consumers, and uphold independent regulation while fostering innovation and investment.
He mentioned that the updated framework must also tackle persistent structural issues such as fibre cuts, vandalism, high energy expenses, excessive taxation, delays in permitting, and gaps in rural connectivity.
According to him, these challenges have become significant national development issues as they impact the quality, resilience, and accessibility of digital services throughout the economy.
Maida stated that the workshop was intended to assess the implementation of the current policy, pinpoint deficiencies, involve stakeholders in reform suggestions, and formulate recommendations for a new National Telecommunications Policy 2026.
The head of the NCC indicated that the commission’s goal was to create a contemporary policy framework that could foster innovation, safeguard consumers, enhance the quality of experience, bolster investment, and promote Nigeria’s aspirations for a digital economy.
He encouraged stakeholders to engage in the review process with transparency, creativity, and a collective dedication to reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a prominent digital economy in Africa.
