By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Communications Commission (Nigerian Communications Commission) has commenced a two-day stakeholders’ policy review workshop in Lagos to reassess the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000 and align it with emerging realities in the country’s digital ecosystem.
The workshop, which runs from May 20 to 21, brings together key industry stakeholders to evaluate past milestones and chart a forward-looking regulatory direction for Nigeria’s rapidly evolving communications sector.
Speaking at the opening session, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the communications industry has evolved beyond a standalone sector into a broad digital ecosystem driving national development.
He called for stronger and more adaptive policy frameworks to address emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, satellite broadband, Internet of Things (IoT), critical infrastructure protection, digital sovereignty, and quality of experience standards.
Dr. Maida also underscored the economic potential of digital transformation, citing estimates by the GSMA which suggest that digitising key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and trade could contribute about 2 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, create up to two million jobs, and generate approximately ₦1.6 trillion in tax revenue.
He stressed that sustaining such growth requires modern regulatory frameworks that integrate cybersecurity, data governance, digital financing systems, and online safety mechanisms to ensure a balance between innovation and public trust.
The workshop features panel discussions focused on collaborative implementation strategies, bridging the digital divide, and reviewing stakeholder inputs on proposed policy reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital future.
