Dr. Maida is not just setting the pace at NCC—He is laying the groundwork for a telecom future that is transparent, inclusive, and globally competitive
NCC Advances Industry Sustainability, Digital Inclusion Under New Leadership
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is advancing efforts to foster a more sustainable and inclusive telecommunications sector in Nigeria. Under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Maida, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2023, the Commission has initiated a series of strategic initiatives designed to align the telecom sector with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
The NCC’s approach is in line with Nigeria’s broader commitment to adopting International Financial Reporting Standards for environmental and climate-related disclosures, with full compliance targeted by 2027.
In terms of digital inclusion, the Commission has launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN), which aims to achieve a 70% broadband penetration rate by the end of 2025. The initiative seeks to extend internet access to underserved areas—including schools, healthcare facilities, and markets—through collaboration with state governments, telecom operators, and infrastructure providers.
The NBAN aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) and targets minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas.
The NCC is also promoting digital literacy through partnerships between its Digital Bridge Institute and institutions like Nile University. According to a source familiar with the program, initiatives such as the Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI) aim to equip faculty and staff with essential digital skills, including data analysis and productivity tools.
The Commission’s Digital Job Creation for Youths (DJCY) program has reportedly trained over 2,000 young people across Nigeria, providing them with laptops and networking devices to encourage digital entrepreneurship.
Data security and fraud prevention remain high on the NCC’s agenda. The Commission is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria to develop a framework to combat fraud in mobile financial services. An NCC source emphasized the importance of data protection, noting that breaches could have significant consequences for both companies and the industry at large.
In May 2025, the NCC commissioned an e-Health Project at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure, Ondo State. The project aims to leverage ICT to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities where over 60% of the population reportedly lacks access to functional primary healthcare facilities.
“This attests to our collective efforts to harness the power of ICT to improve and revolutionize the health sector in Nigeria,” Maida said at the event. He added that the initiative could help boost telemedicine adoption in the country.
In a recent move, the NCC directed telecom operators to compensate subscribers for prolonged service outages. The Commission’s Major Outage Reporting Portal is expected to enhance transparency and accountability within the sector. “By providing consumers and stakeholders with timely and transparent information on network outages, we are entrenching a culture of accountability and transparency,” Edoyemi Ogor, Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, said.
Earlier this year, the NCC approved a 50% tariff increase (as an upper limit) after a 12-year freeze, in response to rising operational costs and inflationary pressures. The decision, which came into effect on February 17, 2025, was a reduction from the 100% initially proposed by operators under the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). According to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, the increase was necessary to address current macroeconomic challenges.
Overall, the NCC’s recent initiatives reflect an effort to balance industry sustainability, regulatory compliance, digital inclusion, and consumer protection, as Nigeria’s telecom sector navigates evolving challenges and opportunities. Read More
