By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced steps towards developing a regulatory framework for Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity in Nigeria, signalling a forward-looking move to address emerging technologies in the country’s communications landscape.
The Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, explaining that the initiative represents an initial phase in the NCC’s regulatory process in line with Section 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. According to her, the move is intended to elicit informed views, credible evidence and expert contributions before the introduction of any binding regulatory framework.
As part of this process, the NCC has released a Consultation Paper designed to engage industry stakeholders, experts and other interested parties ahead of formal rule-making. Mrs Ukoha noted that the consultation would enable the Commission to gather wide-ranging inputs that would support sound, evidence-based regulatory decisions.
She explained that outcomes from the consultation are expected to provide clarity on key regulatory considerations surrounding D2D services, including spectrum usage and coexistence, licensing and authorisation frameworks, competition dynamics, consumer protection measures, security implications and long-term investment incentives. Feedback from stakeholders, she added, would also help the Commission build a comprehensive understanding of emerging D2D service models and their potential impact on Nigeria’s broader communications ecosystem.
According to Mrs Ukoha, the consultation process is structured to ensure that any eventual regulatory framework is well-informed, proportionate, transparent and responsive to the realities of the Nigerian market. She said the NCC has clearly outlined several objectives for the exercise, including the need to obtain evidence-based input on potential use cases, benefits, risks and public-interest considerations associated with D2D services in the country.
The Commission is also seeking stakeholder perspectives on appropriate technologies and network architectures, expected performance benchmarks and deployment considerations, as well as assessments of potential spectrum demand, coexistence challenges and authorisation requirements, among other regulatory and operational issues.
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to access the Consultation Paper via the Commission’s website at
The document provides detailed background information, the scope of the consultation and specific questions to guide submissions. Responses are to be submitted through the online form contained in the document and must be received by Monday, February 23, 2026.
The NCC reiterated that the consultation underscores its commitment to inclusive regulation, stakeholder engagement and proactive policy development as Nigeria prepares to harness the opportunities presented by next-generation satellite communication technologies.
