The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a comprehensive review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000. This happens nearly three decades after its approval. The NCC cites rapid technological advancements and shifting market realities that have outgrown the existing framework.
The Commission announced the start of the review process on Monday with the release of a consultation paper. As a result, it is inviting stakeholders across the telecommunications and digital ecosystem to submit inputs on proposed policy changes.
According to the NCC, the review is aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s telecommunications policy to align with current and emerging realities in digital services, internet governance, satellite communications, and broadband expansion. In addition, it aims for universal access. Moreover, it will help sustain the sector’s role as a critical driver of economic growth.
Why the NCC is Reviewing the Policy
The Commission noted that the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 was itself introduced to replace an earlier framework that had become obsolete.
It explained that the policy replaced the 1998 telecommunications policy. By doing so, it ushered in full market liberalisation, stakeholder engagement and a unified regulatory structure under the NCC.
Approved during Nigeria’s early democratic era, the policy marked a decisive shift away from state monopoly towards competition and private sector participation. Furthermore, it moved towards market-driven growth.
“Prior to the liberalisation midwifed by the NTP, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector was dominated by the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), a government-owned monopoly,” the Commission stated.
“NITEL was reputably characterised by obsolete equipment, poor quality of service and low teledensity.”
Policy Now Outpaced by Technology
The NCC said that just as rapid global technological developments rendered the 1998 policy outdated, the 2000 policy has now been overtaken by modern realities.
These include platform-driven digital services, broadband-dependent applications, and evolving internet governance frameworks. Also, it includes the emergence of non-terrestrial networks, such as satellite-based connectivity solutions.
The Commission added that the ongoing review is expected to produce a policy framework that supports innovation, investment and inclusive digital access, while strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
