Proposed overhaul targets broadband expansion, satellite framework, internet governance and right-of-way reforms…
The Nigerian Communications Commission has commenced a comprehensive review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000, nearly three decades after its approval, citing rapid technological advancement and changing market realities that have overtaken the existing framework.
The Commission announced the start of the review process on Monday with the release of a consultation paper inviting stakeholders to submit input on proposed amendments to the policy.
According to the NCC, the review is intended to reposition Nigeria’s telecommunications policy to reflect current developments in digital services, internet governance, satellite communications, broadband expansion and universal access, while maintaining the sector’s role as a major driver of economic growth.
The Commission explained that the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 itself replaced an earlier framework adopted in 1998, introducing full market liberalisation, wider stakeholder participation and a unified regulatory structure under the NCC.
Approved during Nigeria’s early democratic period, the policy marked a major transition from a state-controlled telecom system to a liberalised and competitive market environment.
Prior to liberalisation, the telecommunications sector was dominated by the government-owned Nigerian Telecommunications Limited, which was widely associated with obsolete infrastructure, poor service quality and low teledensity.
However, the Commission noted that just as the 1998 policy became outdated due to rapid global technological changes, the 2000 framework now requires a broad overhaul to address modern realities such as platform-driven digital services, broadband-dependent applications and emerging non-terrestrial networks.
The Commission recalled that the formulation of the National Telecommunications Policy led directly to the licensing of GSM operators in 2001 and 2002, a development that transformed the telecommunications landscape almost immediately.
Mobile subscriptions soon overtook fixed-line connections, reflecting strong consumer demand and significant market potential. The policy also paved the way for the enactment of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which established the statutory and regulatory foundation for the sector.
Since then, telecommunications has grown into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic industries, attracting significant foreign direct investment and contributing meaningfully to national output. The NCC noted that the policy played a critical role in enabling e-commerce, digital financial services and the broader digital economy, supporting the country’s transition from a slow-moving, state-run telecom system to a competitive, innovation-driven sector.
As part of the ongoing review, the Commission is proposing targeted updates to several sections of the policy.
Chapter Seven, which focuses on the internet, is set for revision to address online safety, strengthen internet exchange systems and provide clearer policy direction on content moderation, digital platforms and online services operating within Nigeria.
Chapter Eight, covering satellite communications, will also undergo a comprehensive update aimed at creating a modern policy framework for satellite harmonisation, upstream and downstream service provisioning and coordination between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. The review is expected to include clearer spectrum mapping to improve service quality and support cost-effective universal connectivity.
In addition, Chapter Ten on financing and funding will be reviewed to address fiscal and monetary support needed to sustain sector growth, particularly in light of ongoing tax and fiscal reforms. The Commission is also seeking stakeholder views on measures to address persistent challenges such as multiple taxation and overlapping regulatory requirements.
Beyond amendments to existing sections, the NCC is proposing the introduction of a new chapter focused on broadband targets, protection of critical national communications infrastructure, harmonisation of right-of-way charges across all levels of government and the establishment of a one-stop permitting framework for telecom infrastructure deployment.
Despite significant growth in the telecommunications sector over the years, the high cost of right-of-way remains a major barrier to infrastructure expansion.
The challenge has not only slowed the pace of network deployment but has also contributed to rising operational costs for telecom operators. Data from the NCC shows that operating expenses in the sector increased by 85 percent to N5.85tn in 2024, driven largely by right-of-way related costs.
The proposed inclusion of a dedicated section on right-of-way charges in the revised policy is expected to help address this long-standing constraint and support broader telecom infrastructure development across the country.
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