The Executive Vice Chairman and chief executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has renewed calls for the amendment of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
In his keynote address at the opening of a two-day Colloquium on a Legislative Agenda: The Nigerian Communications Act 2003”, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Maida said in view of the massive speed with which global telecommunications industry has been disrupted along the lines of 5G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, Internet of Things, Blockchain and more, amendment of the Act is now unavoidable.
According to him, “Mobile subscriptions have grown from less than 300,000 in 2001 to over 150 million today, internet penetration has surged, connecting millions to the digital economy, while the telecommunications sector contribution to the Nigeria, to Nigeria’s GDP, has risen to approximately 14% as of the third quarter of 2024.
“But, beyond statistics, the ACT has enabled transformative innovations in various sectors through mobile banking, e-commerce, Digital Communications, e-learning, all that have redefined how Nigerians live, work and interact.
“These milestones are a testament to the vision of the parliament in enacting the Act, the resilience of the industry players and the trust of Nigerian consumers.
“They reflect the power of collaboration between the legislator, regulator, operators and stakeholders in building a sector that has become a global model for telecommunications liberalization in emerging markets”.
Continuing, Dr. Maida averred that “The global telecommunications industry is currently undergoing a seismic shift, driven by disruptive technologies such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, Internet of Things, Blockchain and I can go on all day.
“These advancements promise unprecedented opportunities, but also pose complex challenges in Nigeria. While urban centers enjoy robust connectivity, rural and underserved communities still grapple with limited access, highlighting the persistent Digital Divide infrastructure deficits, including inadequate power supply and the high cost of right of way approvals, to mention a few, hinder the expansion of our digital infrastructure.
“Cyber security threats loom large as our reliance on digital platforms grows, with Nigeria recording a significant uptick in cyber-attacks targeting critical sectors.
“Moreover, the economics of the telecom industry are on the street. Operators face rising operational costs, exaggerated by inflation, currency volatility and the need for substantial capital investments to deploy next generation technologies to keep up with the needs of our ever evolving digital lives.
“Consumers, while demanding faster, cheaper and more reliable service, often face affordability constraints, particularly in low income communities.
According to him, “These challenges underscore critical truth: While the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 was a visionary for its time, the realities of 2025 require us to re-examine its provisions to ensure the main fit for purpose”.
