In a landmark move to realign Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory landscape with global digital trends, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to revise the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003. The overhaul seeks to address long-standing gaps in the country’s legal framework, particularly in relation to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, cybersecurity, and the digital inclusion imperative for underserved communities.

During a stakeholder colloquium held in Abuja, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the urgent need to modernize the Act, citing its limited scope in addressing current and future challenges in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem. He noted that the revised Act must support regulatory technology solutions that foster innovation, risk mitigation, and data privacy.

“Our aim is to create a dynamic legal framework that not only responds to today’s regulatory requirements but also anticipates the innovations of tomorrow,” said Maida. “The revised Act will be pivotal in positioning Nigeria as a frontrunner in the global digital economy.”

Enacted in 2003, the NCA served as a transformative piece of legislation that liberalized Nigeria’s telecoms sector, ending the state monopoly of NITEL and establishing the NCC as an independent regulator. It laid the groundwork for exponential growth in mobile communication, internet usage, fintech, e-commerce, and mobile banking. However, in the face of evolving technologies and shifting regulatory landscapes, the Act has grown obsolete.

Key among the shortcomings is the Act’s inability to address technologies such as AI, blockchain, 5G networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—technologies that now underpin compliance automation, real-time risk assessment, and financial crime prevention. The NCC is advocating for the introduction of regulatory sandboxes, innovation hubs, and adaptive licensing regimes to foster safe experimentation while maintaining oversight.

Another driving force behind the revision is the increasing convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting, and information technology services. With digital platforms now offering streaming, VoIP, and interactive media, a technology-neutral regulatory framework is crucial. The revised law is expected to enhance inter-agency collaboration with the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and other oversight bodies to improve governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).

Peter Ohiozojeh Akpatason, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, emphasized the need for the new Act to institutionalize innovation through digital research, public-private partnerships, and international collaborations. “The revised NCA should empower Nigeria’s tech ecosystem with infrastructure investment, regulatory intelligence, and innovation-enabling provisions,” he stated.

Cybersecurity and data protection are also central to the proposed amendments. The existing Act provides minimal guidance on combating digital fraud, protecting user data, or responding to cyber incidents. The revised framework aims to align the NCA with laws such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Nigerian Data Protection Act, reinforcing Nigeria’s regulatory compliance and consumer protection capabilities.

Addressing digital inequality remains a top priority. Despite past gains, millions of Nigerians—especially in rural communities—still lack reliable internet access. The revised Act will focus on compliance-driven infrastructure development, reduced Right of Way (RoW) costs, and mandated infrastructure sharing to enhance regulatory enforcement and digital equity.

For consumers, stronger compliance monitoring tools and regulatory enforcement mechanisms are in view. The new provisions are expected to enhance customer experience by increasing penalties for poor service delivery, mandating regular publication of service quality metrics, and establishing user-friendly grievance redress channels.

Systemic barriers such as multiple taxation, fragmented regulatory mandates, and bureaucratic delays continue to discourage private investment. As such, the NCC is pushing for streamlined compliance workflows and harmonized regulatory requirements across all levels of government to promote fair competition and attract foreign direct investment.

Notably, the revised legislation aims to empower Nigeria’s growing RegTech and digital startup ecosystem. By incorporating compliance consulting support, tax incentives, access to innovation funding, and digital skills development, the law will drive sustainable economic development and position Nigeria as a regional RegTech innovation hub.

The NCC also plans to enhance its internal capabilities by investing in compliance management systems, automation tools, and continuous stakeholder engagement. These upgrades are vital to keeping pace with the rapid advancements in regulatory technology trends and ensuring a proactive response to regulatory change management.

“This revision marks a critical inflection point in Nigeria’s digital journey,” concluded Maida. “It’s a chance to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready regulatory framework that balances innovation with responsibility.”

As Nigeria charts its course toward a digitally inclusive economy, the revised NCA is poised to be a cornerstone of regulatory transformation—bridging the gap between outdated policy and the fast-paced realities of the digital age.