By 
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry — valued at over $75 billion and contributing nearly 16% to national GDP — is poised for renewed regulatory momentum following the confirmation of Idris Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). His appointment, alongside eight new members, restores a fully constituted leadership at the country’s apex telecom regulator after more than a year of operating without a complete board.
The confirmation, approved by the Senate on October 23, followed President Bola Tinubu’s nominations in August, signaling a renewed focus on effective governance and accountability within the nation’s communications regulatory framework.
Other confirmed members include Abraham Oshidami (Executive Commissioner, Technical Services), Rimini Makama(Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management), Maryam Bayi, Col. Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd), Senator Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, and Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, in addition to the Board Secretary.
Restoring Leadership and Regulatory Stability
The appointments mark the end of a leadership vacuum that began after the expiration of the previous board, led by Adeolu Akande, in 2023. During the intervening period, the Commission operated with limited governance capacity, a situation industry analysts warned had constrained strategic oversight amid Nigeria’s accelerating digital transformation.
The Senate’s confirmation also completes the reconstitution of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) Board, chaired by Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, with Olorunnimbe serving as Vice Chairman — ensuring compliance with Section 5(3) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, which mandates a duly constituted board.
Governance and Continuity at the Helm
With Olorunnimbe as Chairman and Aminu Maida reappointed as Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the NCC regains operational stability. The duo will oversee strategic policy direction and execution for Nigeria’s telecom sector at a time of rapid digitalisation, regulatory reform, and infrastructural expansion.
The NCA framework separates governance from operations — with the Board of Commissioners focusing on strategy and oversight, while the Executive Management handles licensing, compliance, and enforcement. This model safeguards the Commission’s independence and ensures alignment with national ICT priorities.
Meet the New Commissioners
-
Abraham Oshidami, Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), brings over two decades of experience in spectrum management, broadband deployment, and technical regulation at the NCC.
-
Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management), has a background in policy, communications, and digital inclusion, strengthening stakeholder relations and public trust.
-
Maryam Bayi, an expert in governance and human capital development, returns to the Commission after retiring in 2019, bringing institutional knowledge and strategic reform experience.
-
Col. Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd), a former military communications specialist and former Chairman of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund, adds expertise in compliance and security oversight.
-
Senator Lekan Mustafa, an experienced lawmaker, contributes insight into public policy and legislative processes relevant to digital regulation.
-
Chris Okorie, a technology entrepreneur, brings experience in ICT-driven enterprises and digital innovation.
-
Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, an advocate for women in technology and former Managing Director of Kian Smith Company, focuses on empowerment and digital literacy initiatives.
Reform-Driven Leadership and Industry Expectations
Olorunnimbe, Founder and Group CEO of The Temple Company, is widely seen as a reform-minded leader positioned to inject creativity and visibility into the NCC’s policy direction. His appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader digital economy agenda, prioritising innovation, digital inclusion, and stakeholder engagement.
Industry observers expect the new Chairman to steer the Commission toward addressing key regulatory challenges, including broadband expansion, 5G rollout, cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI governance.
Meanwhile, EVC Aminu Maida continues to drive the NCC’s operational agenda, advancing data-driven regulation, consumer protection, and spectrum efficiency. His leadership has been pivotal in promoting Right-of-Way harmonisation, 5G infrastructure deployment, and the publication of transparent industry performance data.
Why the NCC Board Matters
The NCC’s governance model depends on synergy between its Board of Commissioners and executive leadership — ensuring regulatory predictability, accountability, and alignment with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy.
As a self-funding institution, the NCC derives revenue from licence fees, spectrum sales, and regulatory charges, with its budget approved by the National Assembly. It maintains close collaboration with agencies like NITDA, NiRA, and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to foster policy coherence across Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
A fully reconstituted board is expected to strengthen investor confidence, accelerate digital infrastructure deployment, and enhance Nigeria’s position as a leading ICT hub in Africa.
As the new board assumes office, industry stakeholders anticipate a more cohesive and reform-oriented regulatory regime capable of steering the telecom sector through the next phase of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
Comments