NCC Moves to Change 25-Year-Old Telecoms Rules
…Asks Nigerians for Input
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has started the process to change the rules governing the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. This move is aimed at replacing the old National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) which has been in use since the year 2000.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC invited people who have an interest in the industry to send in their written suggestions and ideas. The commission wants to make sure that the new policy, which will be known as NTP 2026, fits the modern world we live in today.
The NCC has picked Friday, March 20, 2026, as the final day for everyone to submit their ideas. These submissions can be sent directly to the head of the NCC or through a special email address: stakeholders@ncc.gov.ng.
This review is coming after the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, set up special committees to look into the old rules. The goal is to bring the policy up to date with new things like fast internet (broadband), how we use data, and making sure the quality of phone calls and internet service is good for everyone.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, explained that the old policy from 2000 helped Nigeria grow from having only 500,000 phone lines to nearly 180 million active mobile lines by December 2026. However, he noted that after 25 years, things have changed and the rules must change too.
“The NTP 2000 has been instrumental to advancing Nigeria’s telecom sector from where it was 25 years ago. One of the gaps that the revised policy seeks to address is the increased demand for data services,” Dr. Maida said.
He further stated that this is just the first time the public will be asked for their opinions. There will be more chances for people to speak before the final document is finished.
“This is a first step in the consultation process and there will be other layers of engagements, to ensure that the final draft accommodates varied expertise, feedback and inputs from a cross section of stakeholders,” he added.
The new proposal covers 15 important areas, including how the industry is controlled, how to handle new technology, and how to keep the country safe. Dr. Maida encouraged everyone, including phone companies, consumers, government offices, and even regular individuals, to take part in this process.
According to the NCC boss, the feedback from the public will help the commission build a policy that will take the communications sector to the next level. He made it clear that “The consultation process is open to licensees in the Nigerian communications sector, consumers, agencies of government, international agencies, Civil Society Organisations, individuals and other interested stakeholders.”
