J. Adaralegbe
‎In a move to align Nigeria’s digital landscape with global realities, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially commenced a comprehensive review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000.
‎The overhaul, arriving nearly three decades after the original policy’s inception, seeks to address the skyrocketing operational costs plaguing the industry and provide a roadmap for the future of satellite and broadband connectivity.
‎The NCC noted that while the 2000 policy successfully ended the era of state-owned monopolies (NITEL) and ushered in the GSM revolution, it is no longer equipped to handle the complexities of 2026. The new review aims to pivot from basic voice services to a framework dominated by:
‎Platform-driven digital services
‎Non-terrestrial networks (Satellite)
‎Broadband-dependent applications
‎ Internet Governance & Online Safety
‎The Fight Against “Right-of-Way” Barriers
‎A primary objective of this review is the harmonization of Right-of-Way (RoW) fees. Currently, inconsistent charges across state and local government tiers have become a massive bottleneck for infrastructure expansion.
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‎Telecom operating costs in Nigeria surged by 85% to N5.85 trillion in 2024, with high RoW charges cited as a primary driver of this inflation.
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‎To combat this, the NCC is proposing a one-stop permitting process to streamline deployments and lower the financial burden on service providers.
‎Key Policy Updates at a Glance
‎| Focus Area | Proposed Changes |
‎|—|—|
‎| Satellite (Ch. 8) | Harmonizing upstream/downstream services; clearer spectrum mapping for coexistence between terrestrial and satellite networks. |
‎| Internet (Ch. 7) | Strengthening online safety protocols, content moderation guidelines, and deepening internet exchange points. |
‎| Finance (Ch. 10) | Introducing fiscal and monetary incentives to shield the sector from multiple taxation and overlapping regulations. |
‎| Infrastructure | New protections for Critical National Communications Infrastructure to prevent vandalism and service disruptions.
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‎Speaking on behalf of Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida, Executive Commissioner Rimini Makama emphasized that these amendments are vital for maintaining a competitive edge.
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‎The Commission has released a consultation paper, inviting stakeholders to contribute to the regulatory instruments that will govern the next era of Nigerian connectivity.
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‎Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, reiterated that the review is a statutory exercise under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, ensuring the law evolves alongside the technology it governs.