The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun efforts to revise the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003 in response to rapid technological advancements and Nigeria’s digital ambitions.
During a colloquium held on Tuesday in Lagos, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that the 21-year-old law no longer reflects the demands of today’s innovation-driven landscape.
He stressed the importance of adapting the legislation to accommodate transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and blockchain, which are reshaping the communications sector globally.
Dr. Maida argued that the current Act is ill-equipped to deal with both the opportunities and the risks brought about by such innovations.
“The reality of 2025 demands we reimagine Nigeria’s digital future,” he said, calling for a proactive rather than reactive regulatory approach.
He also identified persistent infrastructure and regulatory challenges—including unreliable power supply, high costs of right-of-way (RoW), soaring operating expenses, and the limited availability of broadband in rural areas—that must be addressed in the review.
Despite its age, Maida credited the original Act with breaking up monopolies and fostering competition, which has led to a boom in the telecoms sector.
Mobile subscriptions have jumped from under 300,000 in 2001 to over 150 million, while internet usage has soared, supporting a growing digital economy that now contributes around 14% to Nigeria’s GDP.
He noted the rise of mobile banking, e-commerce, and online education as key examples of the sector’s impact.
The NCC chief commended the National Assembly for driving the review and promised continued collaboration with lawmakers, industry players, and global partners to deliver a forward-thinking regulatory framework.
Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, also addressed attendees, underscoring the importance of revisiting the Act’s effectiveness after two decades.
He urged urgent attention to issues such as 5G rollout, AI governance, cybersecurity, and bridging the digital divide.
Representing Speaker of the House Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Whip Isiaka Ayokunle acknowledged the communications sector’s critical role in Nigeria’s development.
He highlighted progress in mobile finance and e-commerce but warned of emerging cybersecurity threats that could hamper digital growth.
Abbas pointed to recent legislative milestones, including the Cybercrime Act, the Nigerian Data Protection Act, and the Startup Act, as steps toward building a secure and innovative digital environment.
Themed “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003: 22 Years After — Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria,” the two-day event brought together legislators, regulators, and tech stakeholders.
It aims to generate key policy recommendations that will inform a modern, resilient legal framework for Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
