*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, at the release of Draft General Authorisation Framework (GAF), urges telecoms sector stakeholders to ensure no one is left behind by 鈥榚xpanding access, closing connectivity gaps, and empowering youth, women, and underserved communities through inclusive innovation in the ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In line with its mandate, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced what it described as 鈥渁 flexible and responsive regulatory licensing approach鈥� structured to embrace new and emerging services outside the purview of the existing License Structure in the telecommunications industry.

绿帽献妻 reports the NCC said the new framework had introduced three key instruments, which are Proof-of-Concept pilots to validate novel ideas in real-world environments; A regulatory Sandbox, which allows innovators to test solutions, including Open RAN trials, or dynamic spectrum sharing鈥攗nder controlled and risk-managed conditions; and An Interim Service Authorisation for services that do not yet fit within existing license categories.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, disclosed this development Thursday, July 17, 2025, in his speech delivered at stakeholders鈥� forum on the presentation of the 鈥淕eneral Authorisation Framework鈥� for the Nigerian telecoms industry.

Urging the participants to reinforce the telecoms sector鈥檚 united vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria, Dr. Maida stated that the growth of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria has been phenomenal in the past few decades.

Nigeria鈥檚 telecoms industry鈥檚 peaks in 24 years, by EVC/CEO

Going down the memory lane, the EVC/CEO of NCC also noted that in the last 24 years, following the liberalisation of the sector, the West African country has witnessed tremendous transformation, leading to the achievement of over 79.65 percent teledensity and a Broadband Penetration of 48.81 as of May 2025.

He stated: 鈥淭his progress has been driven by the rapid uptake of mobile technologies, surging data consumption, and an increasing appetite for digital services.

鈥淏ut we are now at a turning point, where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling.鈥�

Maida equally averred that telecommunications has remained a 鈥渃atalyst for national development鈥� in the country, stating the Nigeria鈥檚 telecommunications industry has become 鈥渁 symbol of innovation and progress鈥�.

鈥淚t has revolutionised communication, improved access to information, and reshaped business operations.

鈥淭oday, we are at a significant juncture, where disruptive innovations are accelerating the evolution of the communications ecosystem. Broadband Penetration continues to grow, while digital literacy is on the rise,鈥� said he.

According to him, these feats are fast creating a solid foundation for a vibrant digital economy driven by accessibility, innovation, and inclusivity in the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy.

Besides, the NCC Executive Vice-Chairman said technological innovation is accelerating across the world and country, particularly within the telecommunications sector of the economy.

Maida noted: 鈥淓very day, we learn of how innovators are pushing boundaries with daring ideas, venturing into new frontiers of innovation, and expanding the possibilities of our sector.

From 5G deployment and AI-driven smart networks, to Blockchain applications and FinTech advancements, these developments are driving profound change in the telecommunications ecosystem.

鈥淭hey are reshaping critical sectors including communications, finance, education, and governance and unlocking vast potential for inclusive growth, enhanced service delivery, and sustainable national transformation.

鈥淏ut we are now at a turning point, where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling.鈥�

On necessity for reforms, modern regulation for enhanced innovation

Underscoring the importance of aligning regulations with recent developments in the telecoms space, Maida asserted that 鈥渕odern regulation must be designed to enable innovation rather than hinder it.

鈥淭his is an objective that lies at the core of the Nigerian Communications Commission鈥檚 (NCC) latest initiative: the General Authorisation Framework.鈥�

According to him, this new-fangled reform introduces 鈥渁 flexible and responsive regulatory licensing approach that is structured to embrace new and emerging services that fall outside the existing License Structure鈥� in the country.

He noted that adoption of this approach would enable the telecoms regulator to provide a platform for innovators of various sizes鈥攚hether they are startups or established companies鈥攖o demonstrate feasibility, assess risk, and measure outcomes before deployment.

鈥淭his model encourages experimentation and responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer rights and public interest,鈥� he stated.

Emphasising that regulation alone is not enough, the EVC/CEO of the Commission urged the industry stakeholders for contributions, noting that they are 鈥渃entral to the success of this framework.鈥�

Maida said in his speech: 鈥淢obile Network Operators, Service Providers, Infrastructure Companies, OEMs, startups, civil society, and academia all have a role to play.

鈥淵our insights, your ideas, and your partnership are critical in refining this approach and making sure that it works for Nigeria.

鈥淎s we look to the future, we must ensure that no one is left behind. That means expanding access, closing connectivity gaps, and empowering our youth, women, and underserved communities through inclusive innovation.鈥�

Maida: The future of Nigeria digital economy beckons

Stressing the of modern telecoms regulatory instruments, Dr. Maida said the future of Nigeria鈥檚 digital economy is no longer distant.

He averred: 鈥淚t is unfolding right before us. And at the heart of this future is the communications sector鈥攐ur shared infrastructure for innovation, inclusion, and economic advancement.

鈥淭o sustain momentum, we must be bold, collaborative, and committed to building a resilient and innovative ecosystem.鈥�

According to him, through the General Authorisation Framework, we are unlocking new pathways for experimentation, market entry, and growth.

鈥淟et us work together to deepen the innovation value chain, nurture home-grown solutions, build investor confidence, and ensure that the dividends of digital transformation reach every corner of our society.鈥�

Maida, therefore, rallied the industry stakeholders to ensure the engagement 鈥渟parks your curiosity, refine our collective vision, and accelerate our journey towards a more connected, innovative, and prosperous Nigeria.鈥�

Participants in the stakeholders鈥� forum included the Directors, Management and Staff of NCC, captains of industry and Executives of telecom companies, leaders and representatives of telecoms associations, media professionals, innovators and technology entrepreneurs.

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