|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Maida says telecoms sector at turning point
-NCC unveils flexible licensing to drive innovation
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has recorded a landmark transformation, achieving a tele-density of 79.65% and broadband penetration of 48.81% as of May 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the Stakeholders’ Forum on the General Authorisation Framework for the Nigerian telecoms industry.
Maida attributed the steady rise over the past 24 years to the liberalization of the telecoms sector, boosted by rapid adoption of mobile technology, growing data usage, and a soaring demand for digital services.
“This transformation has been remarkable,” he said. “But to sustain it, we must adopt a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling.”
He noted that Nigeria’s digital economy is evolving at an unprecedented pace, propelled by disruptive innovations that demand bold, modern regulation. At the core of the NCC’s strategy, Maida explained, is the General Authorisation Framework—an initiative aimed at creating flexible, inclusive, and innovation-friendly licensing for emerging services beyond traditional structures.
“This reform introduces a flexible and responsive regulatory licensing approach,” Maida said. “It is structured to embrace new and emerging services that fall outside the existing license structure.”
He stressed that innovation should not be hindered by outdated regulatory mechanisms, and urged stakeholders across the value chain to actively participate in refining the framework.
“Mobile Network Operators, service providers, infrastructure companies, OEMs, startups, civil society, and academia all have a role to play,” he said. “Your ideas, insights, and partnership are vital in shaping a future-ready telecoms ecosystem.”
Maida also emphasized inclusiveness as key to digital progress, stating, “As 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 and women.”
According to the EVC, the future of Nigeria’s digital economy is already unfolding, with the communications sector at its core, serving as the nation’s shared infrastructure for innovation, inclusion, and economic growth.
“To sustain momentum, we must be bold, collaborative, and committed to building a resilient and innovative ecosystem,” he said. “Through the General Authorisation Framework, we are unlocking new pathways for experimentation, market entry, and growth.”
