NCC Invites Stakeholders to Contribute to National Telecoms Policy Review

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a public consultation process to review the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, inviting industry stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organisations, and the general public to submit written inputs.

The consultation paper for the NTP review has been published on the NCC website, and all submissions are to be addressed to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission or sent via email to [email protected] by Friday, March 20, 2026.

A statement by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head, Public Affairs, NCC, said the review forms part of the NCC’s statutory obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, which mandates public consultation before the formulation or revision of policies in the telecommunications sector. Section 24 (1) of the Act requires that the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy first cause the Commission to carry out a consultative process on proposed policy formulations or modifications.

The NTP 2000 has been instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s telecom sector over the past 25 years, growing mobile subscriptions from just 500,000 lines to nearly 180 million active connections as of December 2026. The review aims to update the policy to address contemporary issues, including the rising demand for data services, broadband penetration, spectrum management, net neutrality, quality of service, and universal access.

Speaking on the review, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida said the consultation is the first step in developing the draft NTP 2026, which will replace the existing policy. “This is a first step in the consultation process, and there will be further engagements to ensure the final draft reflects the expertise, feedback, and inputs of a broad range of stakeholders,” he stated.

The review is guided by the Strategic Blueprint of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which aims to accelerate national prosperity through technical efficiency and modernisation of the sector. A Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) and a Ministerial Technical Committee (MTC) have been inaugurated to oversee the process and provide technical guidance.

Dr. Maida emphasised that the consultation is open to all relevant parties, including telecom licensees, consumers, government agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and individuals. Feedback received will inform amendments to the policy, ensuring it aligns with current industry realities and legal requirements under the NCA.

The NTP 2000, which replaced the 1998 policy, was a major milestone in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, promoting liberalisation, competition, and modernisation under a nascent democratic government. The ongoing review will consider 15 key policy proposals that address emerging technologies, industry sustainability, regulation, and national security, among other issues.

Dr. Maida urged stakeholders to actively participate in the review, noting that the outcome will help position the Nigerian communications sector for continued growth and innovation in the years ahead.

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