By 
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced significant progress in the country’s telecommunications development, with teledensity reaching 79.65% and broadband penetration at 48.81% as of May 2025.
The update was disclosed during a stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja, where the NCC also unveiled the draft General Authorisation Framework—a forward-thinking regulatory model designed to foster innovation, support emerging technologies, and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, noted that the framework represents a strategic shift in licensing methodology aimed at creating an enabling environment for new service models, tech startups, and next-generation technologies.
“We are at a turning point where innovation demands a regulatory framework that is adaptive, inclusive, and innovation-friendly,” Dr. Maida stated.
The draft framework introduces three core instruments:
-
Proof-of-Concept: To enable limited piloting of new ideas.
-
Regulatory Sandbox: For controlled testing in a safe environment.
-
Interim Service Authorisation: For services not currently captured under existing licensing regimes.
Director of Licensing and Authorisation at the NCC, Mr. Usman Mamman, said the draft was the result of extensive research and global benchmarking from advanced jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and Singapore. He stressed that the framework is designed to promote responsible innovation while maintaining market stability.
“This regulatory evolution will encourage experimentation without compromising consumer protection or market integrity,” Mamman added, urging stakeholders to actively participate in the ongoing consultation process.
Also speaking at the forum, Dr. Mohammed Yusuf, Head of Telecoms Law and Regulations at the NCC, presented stakeholder submissions gathered from major industry players, including the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) and MTN Nigeria.
While ICAF advocated for more robust consumer protection provisions, effective redress mechanisms, and clarity on authorisation limits, MTN raised concerns regarding potential overlaps between temporary and permanent licensing categories, calling for more detailed operational guidelines.
Dr. Yusuf assured attendees that stakeholder input will be thoroughly considered in refining the framework and aligning it with national digital economy goals and existing telecoms policies.
The NCC reiterated that the General Authorisation Framework remains in draft form and is open for public feedback. The Commission encouraged stakeholders across the telecoms ecosystem to contribute to shaping a responsive and inclusive regulatory architecture that supports sustainable digital growth.
Comments