Broadband Gaps: 26 years on, NCC moves to review telecom policy

2026-02-09 - 14:59

By Juliet Umeh The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated a major review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, nearly three decades after its first approval. On Monday, the Commission released a consultation paper inviting input from government, industry, and civil society stakeholders on proposed changes. Officials said the review aims to address Nigeria’s broadband gaps, the surge in digital services, and the growing demand for universal connectivity, positioning the telecom sector as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion. The NTP 2000 replaced the 1998 policy, introducing full market liberalisation, stakeholder consultation, and a unified regulatory system under the NCC. The policy marked a decisive shift from state control to market-driven growth, moving away from the government-owned Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), which had been criticised for outdated equipment, poor service quality, and low teledensity. NCC noted that just as the 1998 policy quickly became outdated, the 2000 framework now requires a comprehensive overhaul to meet contemporary demands, including platform-driven digital services, broadband-dependent applications, and emerging non-terrestrial networks such as satellite communications. Since the NTP’s introduction, Nigeria’s telecom sector has grown to become the largest in Africa by subscriber numbers and market size. As of December 2025, mobile subscribers stood at 179.6 million, internet subscriptions reached 144.8 million, teledensity was 82.87 percent, and broadband penetration at 51.97 percent. Internet usage hit a record 1.24 million terabytes. The sector has consistently contributed over 10 percent to GDP, peaking at 16.36 percent in Q2 2024. To ensure the policy remains relevant, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy conducted a Policy Impact Analysis, generating 15 proposals aimed at closing gaps, strengthening regulatory efficiency, and guiding Nigeria’s telecom sector into the 4G, 5G, and data-driven era. NCC emphasised that stakeholder participation will be critical in shaping a forward-looking policy that supports innovation, attracts investment, and expands connectivity for all Nigerians.