The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has made a strong case for the immediate review of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. Speaking at a high-level colloquium on legislative agenda held in Lagos on Monday, Dr. Maida described the two-decade-old legislation as “increasingly misaligned with 2025 and future realities.”
Dr. Maida emphasized the transformative legacy of the Act, noting that mobile subscriptions in Nigeria have grown from less than 300,000 in 2001 to over 150 million today. He also highlighted the telecom sector’s contribution of approximately 14% to Nigeria’s GDP as of Q3 2024, underscoring its critical role in the country’s economy.
However, he cautioned that the rise of emerging technologies and widening digital gaps have rendered several provisions of the Act outdated. “Progress is not a destination, but a journey,” Maida stated. “The industry is experiencing a seismic shift driven by AI, 5G, quantum computing, IoT, and blockchain. Our regulatory framework must evolve just as quickly if we are to maintain momentum and close the digital divide.”
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He further raised concerns over growing cybersecurity threats and escalating capital requirements, stressing that the current legislation does not sufficiently address the complexities of Nigeria’s rapidly digitising economy. “The reality of 2025 demands we reimagine Nigeria’s digital future. A revised Communications Act must anticipate opportunities, not merely respond to challenges,” he said.
Dr. Maida commended the National Assembly for initiating the dialogue and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working closely with lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and international partners to develop a legal framework fit for the future.
The colloquium, themed “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003: 22 Years After – Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria,” drew key participants from government, industry, and civil society, signaling growing momentum for legislative reform in the communications sector.
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