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In a decisive step towards shaping a future-ready telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a dynamic licensing framework designed to promote innovation, accelerate digital inclusion, and stimulate investment across Nigeria’s digital economy.
During a high-level stakeholder engagement held in Lagos on July 17, 2025, NCC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, formally introduced the Draft General Authorisation Framework. The new regulatory blueprint is tailored to accommodate emerging technologies and novel service models not previously captured by Nigeria’s existing licensing architecture.
The event brought together key stakeholders—including telecom operators, technology innovators, industry associations, and regulatory experts—to review the draft framework and explore collaborative approaches for its implementation.
“Modern regulation must empower innovation,” Dr. Maida stated in his keynote. “The General Authorisation Framework allows us to anticipate the future while safeguarding consumer rights and preserving market integrity.”
A Flexible Framework for Emerging Technologies
The General Authorisation Framework outlines three core regulatory tools to support innovation and experimentation:
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Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Pilots: Designed to facilitate real-world testing of new technologies under defined parameters.
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Regulatory Sandbox: A controlled, supervised environment for trialling cutting-edge solutions such as Open RAN, AI-powered network systems, and dynamic spectrum management.
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Interim Service Authorisation (ISA): Temporary permits that enable emerging services to operate pending full licensing classification.
Dr. Maida explained that the framework is aligned with national strategic goals—including the National Broadband Plan, Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and Nigerian Communications Act 2003—to create a vibrant and inclusive digital ecosystem.
“Innovation in areas like 5G, artificial intelligence, and blockchain is reshaping economies. We must adopt agile regulatory models that encourage growth while protecting stakeholders,” he added.
Adapting to Industry Realities
Offering further insight, Usman Mamman, Director of Licensing and Authorisation at the NCC, revealed that the framework was developed through rigorous internal evaluation, interdepartmental collaboration, and global benchmarking.
“We examined models such as Ofcom’s sandbox in the UK and Singapore’s IMDA testbeds,” Mamman noted. “We found a rising number of innovation-driven proposals that didn’t fit our traditional license categories. This framework fills that gap.”
He emphasized that all mechanisms under the new framework will be time-bound, transparent, and guided by data, enabling the Commission to evaluate outcomes and evolve its licensing regime accordingly.
Driving Sustainable Sector Growth
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with teledensity reaching 79.65% and broadband penetration hitting 48.81% as of May 2025. As mobile usage and digital services continue to rise, the NCC’s initiative is expected to further bolster innovation and inclusion.
Dr. Maida underscored the need to sustain this momentum by aligning regulation with emerging market dynamics.
“This is more than a policy update—it’s a deliberate effort to cultivate local innovation, empower startups, and strengthen the digital economy from the ground up,” he stated.
Embracing Collaboration and Stakeholder Input
The forum also served as a call to action for industry players. Both Dr. Maida and Mamman reiterated that the draft framework remains open for review and will benefit from broad-based contributions.
“This engagement is only the beginning,” Mamman affirmed. “We invite ongoing feedback to refine the framework and ensure it aligns with industry realities.”
Participants from telecom companies, tech hubs, academia, and civil society were encouraged to submit written input and participate in follow-up consultations.
Looking Ahead
The NCC’s General Authorisation Framework is poised to usher in a new chapter for Nigeria’s innovation landscape—creating room for startups, researchers, and established firms to test, deploy, and scale transformative technologies.
“Together, we can deepen digital inclusion and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy,” Dr. Maida concluded.
As Africa’s largest economy accelerates toward a tech-driven future, the NCC’s progressive regulatory approach may serve as a benchmark for how policy can be leveraged as a tool for empowerment, not restriction.
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