In a bid to align Nigeria’s telecom regulations with today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, lawmakers and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have initiated a comprehensive review of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 a pivotal law that once sparked exponential growth but now lags behind innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The review process was formally launched on Tuesday at a high-level colloquium in Lagos, bringing together telecom operators, legal experts, and tech industry leaders under the theme: “22 Years After: Reassessing the Nigerian Communications Act.”
The landmark law, enacted in 2003, played a foundational role in dismantling monopolies, opening up the sector to competition, and expanding mobile subscriptions from just 300,000 in 2001 to over 153 million by 2024. The telecommunications industry now contributes around 14% to Nigeria’s GDP, with internet penetration surpassing 40%, according to Q3 2024 figures.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, hailed the original Act for its transformative impact on Nigeria’s digital journey.
“When the Nigerian Communications Act was enacted over two decades ago, it heralded a new era for our nation’s communication sector,” Maida said. “By dismantling monopolistic barriers and establishing a transparent, independent regulatory framework, the Act empowered the Commission to drive sectoral growth.”
However, he acknowledged that the pace of technological innovation has outstripped the legal framework’s capacity, making a thorough overhaul necessary.
The review seeks to address entrenched challenges such as infrastructure gaps, high right-of-way costs, cybersecurity threats, and the digital divide. It is also expected to propose regulatory governance for emerging technologies, enhance consumer protections, and possibly redefine the roles of industry players.
Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, stressed the importance of adapting the law to today’s digital economy.
“The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 has been instrumental in shaping our telecommunications landscape,” Akpatason said in his keynote. “However, 22 years later, it has become essential to reassess its provisions, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for growth and development in our rapidly changing world.”
He credited the Act for laying the groundwork for innovation across e-commerce, mobile banking, and digital payments, while calling for renewed focus on universal service delivery to ensure equitable access nationwide.
“This digital revolution has changed the way we live, work, and interact,” he added. “To sustain this momentum, lawmakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders must work together to ensure our legal framework remains future-ready.”
The review is expected to culminate in a legislative amendment process that could shape the next chapter of Nigeria’s digital and telecom economy, one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic.
