26 years later, FG moves to review national communication policy

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun a review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 (NTP), 26 years after it was approved. NCC, the country’s telecom industry regulator, said rapid technological changes and evolving market realities that have outpaced the existing framework made the review imperative. Announcing the commencement of the review process via a […]

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun a review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 (NTP), 26 years after it was approved.

NCC, the country’s telecom industry regulator, said rapid technological changes and evolving market realities that have outpaced the existing framework made the review imperative. Announcing the commencement of the review process via a consultation paper, NCC said it is now seeking stakeholders’ inputs into the proposed changes to the policy. It said the review is aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s telecommunications policy to reflect current dynamics in digital services, internet governance, satellite communications, broadband expansion and universal access, while sustaining the sector’s role as a key driver of economic growth.

According to the Commission, the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 was itself a response to an earlier framework which was in place before the liberalization of the industry in 2000. It added that the NTP replaced the 1998 policy and introduced full market liberalisation, stakeholder consultation and a unified regulatory framework under the NCC.

“Prior to the liberalisation, midwifed by the NTP, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector was dominated by the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), which was a government owned monopoly. NITEL was reputably characterized by obsolete equipment, poor quality of service and low teledensity,” the Commission stated.

However, the Commission noted that just as the 1998 policy became outdated by rapid global technological changes, the 2000 policy now requires a comprehensive overhaul to address today’s realities, including platform driven digital services, broadband dependent applications and emerging non terrestrial networks. The formulation of the National Telecommunications Policy led to the licensing of GSM operators in 2001 and 2002, a move that transformed the market almost overnight.

As part of the review, the Commission is proposing targeted updates to several chapters of the policy. Chapter Seven on the Internet is set for revision to accommodate online safety, deepen internet exchange protocols and provide clearer policy direction on content moderation, online platforms and digital services operating within Nigeria. Chapter Eight on Satellite Communications is also slated for a comprehensive review to establish a modern policy framework for satellite harmonisation, upper and lower stream service provisioning and coexistence between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. The NCC said this would include clearer spectrum mapping to improve service quality and cost effective universal connectivity.

In addition, Chapter Ten on Financing and Funding will be reviewed to address monetary and fiscal support needed to stimulate sector growth, especially in the context of ongoing tax and fiscal reforms. The NCC is also seeking stakeholder input on policy measures to tackle persistent challenges such as multiple taxation and overlapping regulations. Beyond revisions to existing chapters, the Commission is proposing a new chapter focused on broadband objectives, protection of critical national communications infrastructure, harmonisation of right of way charges across all tiers of government and the introduction of a one stop permitting process for telecom infrastructure deployment.

 

The 26-year gap

The NTP 2000 was the foundation of the modern Nigerian digital world. Before it, the sector was a government monopoly led by NITEL, characterized by poor service and fewer than 400,000 telephone lines for the entire country. The 2000 policy introduced liberalization, which allowed private companies like MTN, Econet (now Airtel), and Globacom to enter the market. However, in 2000, “telecoms” mostly meant making phone calls. Today, it means 5G, satellite internet (like Starlink), Artificial Intelligence, and a digital economy worth billions of dollars in value. The NCC acknowledges that the old framework is “structurally misaligned” with a world where data is more important than voice calls.

 

Key objectives of the 2026 review

The NCC’s review aims to overhaul the framework to meet 15 new policy proposals. One of the key goals include closing the broadband gap. With a target of 70% broadband penetration, the NCC wants to ensure that fast internet isn’t just for city dwellers but reaches remote villages. Another goal of review is to ensure infrastructure protection. This means treating telecom masts and fiber optic cables as “Critical National Infrastructure” to reduce vandalism. Another goal includes lowering costs. This ensures harmonizing Right-of-Way (RoW) charges (the fees telcos pay state governments to lay cables). The NCC hopes to lower the operational costs that eventually get passed down to consumers.

The NCC has published a Consultation Paper and invited the public, tech companies, and legal experts to submit their input by March 20, 2026. This ensures the new policy isn’t just a government document but a “market-driven” one.

 

NTP is like traffic rules

If you find policy talk confusing, think of the NTP as the “Traffic Rules” for the internet and phones in Nigeria.

The “Old Road” vs. The “new highway”

Imagine that in the year 2000, Nigeria built a road designed only for bicycles and small cars (this was the NTP 2000). For 26 years, that road served us well. But now, we have massive trucks (Data), high speed electric cars (5G), and even flying drones (Satellite internet) trying to use that same narrow road. The Review is the government deciding to tear up the old narrow road and build a multi-lane, high tech superhighway that can handle the heavy traffic of today and tomorrow.

One reason data is expensive is that state governments charge “rent” for cables to pass through their land. The new policy wants to make this “rent” uniform and cheaper. If it costs the network less to build, your data plan should get better. The review also aims to make it easier for companies to put up masts without being harassed by “area boys” or local authorities. The policy also ensures that big companies don’t bully smaller ones, keeping competition alive so you have choices.

 

Experts speak

Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Telecom Consumers of Nigeria (NATCOMS) said the review was long overdue. He said the industry has grown beyond the current NTP, saying new technologies like AI and others weren’t captured in the NTP. Similarly, Abike Laila Ajibola, an IT expert said the NCC should call for review from rights persons. Ajibola however commended the NCC for deeming it fit to review the NTP.