Maida calls for overhaul of 2003 Communications Act to future-proof Nigeria’s digital economy
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for an urgent review of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, citing the rapid evolution of digital technologies and the growing demands of Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem.
He said this while speaking at a Colloquium on the Legislative Agenda held in Lagos on Monday, describing the current legislation as “increasingly misaligned with 2025 and future realities.”
“The reality of 2025 demands we reimagine Nigeria’s digital future. A revised Communications Act must anticipate opportunities, not merely respond to challenges,” Maida stated.
He highlighted the Act’s early successes, noting its role in expanding mobile subscriptions from fewer than 300,000 in 2001 to over 150 million today, and its contribution of approximately 14% to Nigeria’s GDP by the third quarter of 2024.
He, however, warned that new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, 5G, quantum computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, require an updated regulatory framework.
“Progress is not a destination, but a journey. The industry is experiencing a seismic shift driven by AI, 5G, quantum computing, IoT, and blockchain. Our regulatory framework must evolve just as quickly if we are to maintain momentum and close the digital divide,” he said.
Dr. Maida also expressed concern over enduring barriers, including inadequate power supply, high Right of Way (RoW) costs, and escalating operational expenses — all of which limit infrastructure rollout in rural and underserved regions.
He added that cybersecurity threats and rising capital requirements further complicate the sector’s sustainability, while the current legislation lacks the depth to handle Nigeria’s increasingly digital economy.
Maida commended the National Assembly for initiating the dialogue and pledged the NCC’s readiness to collaborate with lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and global partners in crafting a forward-looking legal framework.
The colloquium, themed “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003: 22 Years After – Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria,” brought together leaders from government, the private sector, and civil society to explore policy reforms vital for Nigeria’s digital advancement.
