Nigeria: Dr. Aminu Maida Confirmed as NCC Boss, Vows to Bridge Access Gap

Dr. Aminu Maida has been officially confirmed as the substantive Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Following his confirmation, Dr. Maida expressed his commitment to improving coverage and connectivity by addressing access gaps between rural and urban communities. This involves a focus on increasing broadband infrastructure and enhancing the quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) for consumers.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Maida’s appointment during its plenary session, adopting the report of the Senate Committee on Communications, which had screened him on November 15, 2023. Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, the Chairman of the Committee, highlighted Dr. Maida’s qualifications, professional experience, competence, and regulatory capacity, emphasizing his potential to accelerate development in the country’s telecommunication sector.

Dr. Maida, who will serve a five-year term with the possibility of renewal, outlined his priorities, including deepening internet penetration, enforcing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with licensees, and creating a conducive environment for investment in the sector. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, a postgraduate diploma in Entrepreneurship (FinTech Pathway) from the University of Cambridge, and previously served as the Executive Director, Technology and Operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS).

His appointment aligns with the government’s vision to enhance telecommunications services and bridge the digital divide in Nigeria.