NCC Unveils Plans for Stronger, Fairer Telecom Sector

BY NONYE MOSES

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, yesterday at an interactive session with editors and media executives outlined a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

At the session with media egg-heads, the telecom czar said the regulator is working hard on improving network quality, and creating a more competitive and transparent industry.

The well-attended meeting, which took place at The Colossus, Sheraton Link Road, brought together key figures from the Commission’s management team and prominent media stakeholders. Dr. Maida was accompanied by top NCC officials, including the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Sunday Abraham Oshadami; the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama; the Director, Technical Services and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh; and the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Ukoha set the tone for the day, describing the session as more than just an interaction. “You may call this an interactive forum, but I like to call it a family reunion,” she said warmly. She emphasized that the NCC views the media as critical stakeholders and partners in its mission to deliver robust connectivity and drive Nigeria’s digital economy. According to her, even the most innovative policies would lose their impact without the media’s role in interpreting, simplifying, and communicating them to people across the country.

“No matter how laudable our policies may be, if you are not there to interpret them, simplify them, and communicate them to people across the nooks and crannies of this country, those policies may not have the desired impact. So, we value you greatly,” she told the audience, noting that the event was organized in response to calls from media professionals for greater engagement with the NCC leadership.

She added that the Commission is working on some of the most transformative policies in its history, designed to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital space. Describing the presence of Dr. Maida as symbolic, saying his experience gives him a unique insight into the concerns and expectations of journalists. Her comments were met with applause as she welcomed him to the podium to deliver his address.

Taking the stage, Dr. Maida began by acknowledging recent changes in the NCC’s leadership structure, highlighting the support of his predecessors and the collaborative spirit within the Commission. While admitting that the industry faces significant challenges, he expressed optimism about its future, stressing that the federal government has provided strong backing to enable the NCC to deliver on its mandate.

He also noted that recent macroeconomic reforms, though disruptive in the short term, were necessary to stabilize the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth. “These reforms, though painful, were unavoidable,” he said. “We are already seeing investment confidence return. Networks are being upgraded, and even though the improvements are gradual, they are beginning to take shape.”

A major highlight of Dr. Maida’s address was his announcement of a subtle but important shift in the Commission’s regulatory strategy. For years, he explained, telecom regulation operated under a traditional “command-and-control” model. However, as the industry evolves, this approach must give way to a more transparent and collaborative framework that prioritizes fairness and efficiency.

“We are making decisions that may seem disruptive at first, but our goal is to create a fair, competitive environment where resources — financial, technical, and human are used efficiently,” he said. He cited the recently concluded SIM linkage exercise, which revealed that a single operator now controls over 50 percent of the market share. According to him, this level of concentration poses risks to competition and consumer choice, making it necessary for the NCC to step in and ensure a level playing field.

Dr. Maida also addressed misconceptions about the Commission’s role in determining telecom tariffs. Contrary to popular belief, he said, the NCC does not set prices. Instead, it ensures that tariffs remain cost-oriented and that anti-competitive practices, such as price-fixing or predatory pricing, are prevented.

In line with its new regulatory direction, the NCC will be releasing more industry data to the public, including subscriber statistics, performance ratings, and quality of service (QoS) metrics. This transparency, he noted, will help consumers make informed decisions while holding operators accountable. The Commission has also introduced updated QoS guidelines that bring all stakeholders in the service delivery chain under one framework. Operators are being given time to adjust to these new regulations, but Dr. Maida warned that non-compliance would result in direct engagement and necessary regulatory measures.

On the issue of consumer complaints, he identified three recurring problems that the NCC is tackling head-on: poor quality of service, data depletion, and failed airtime top-ups. Quality of service, he acknowledged, remains the number one complaint among Nigerian consumers, and the Commission is taking steps to hold operators more accountable for the reliability of their networks.

On data depletion, he explained that the widespread perception of “stolen data” often stems from the increasing quality of online content. Higher-resolution videos, richer websites, and advanced streaming services naturally consume more data than before. While assuring consumers that the NCC is monitoring for any unfair practices by operators, he emphasized the importance of consumer education on data usage.

The third issue, failed airtime top-ups, has long frustrated subscribers. To address this, the NCC is introducing a standardized framework that will allow for quicker, more transparent resolutions to ensure customers get full value for their money.

Dr. Maida also spoke about the Commission’s efforts to expand broadband infrastructure across the country. He spoke about “Project Bridge”, a government-led initiative that will add 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables to Nigeria’s existing 35,000 kilometres. This ambitious project aims to improve last-mile connectivity, ensuring that high-speed internet reaches homes, schools, and businesses nationwide.

He emphasized that the rollout will be driven by private-sector partners under a regulatory framework designed to prevent monopolies and encourage competition. In addition, the NCC is working on a long-term spectrum roadmap to support future connectivity needs, particularly as the country transitions to 5G technology. While acknowledging challenges such as limited 5G devices, inadequate infrastructure, and inflationary pressures on operators, Dr. Maida said the Commission is committed to building a sustainable ecosystem for advanced services.

A pressing challenge currently facing the sector, he revealed, is the use of illegal GSM boosters. These devices, often purchased by individuals seeking to improve their signal strength, actually disrupt networks by creating signal clashes. “In Abuja alone, we have removed more than 300 boosters. After dismantling just 60, there was already a noticeable improvement in service quality,” he said. The Commission, he added, will continue its nationwide campaign to track down and remove these devices.

The interactive session included a robust question-and-answer segment, during which journalists raised pressing concerns. One question focused on persistent call failures, with the participant highlighting how frustrating it has become for Nigerians who pay for services but often cannot complete calls successfully. In response, Dr. Maida assured that the specific incident would be investigated. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to crowdsource data from across the country to identify and address problem areas.

Other questions touched on broadband projects and sector investments. In response, Dr. Maida explained that significant investments are already being made, but stressed that the telecom sector is capital-intensive and requires even more resources to meet growing demands.

He also clarified that fibre rollout projects like Project Bridge are designed to complement initiatives from the Ministry of Communications and other stakeholders, with private partners playing a central role in implementation.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Maida assured stakeholders that the NCC remains committed to transparency, competition, and affordable digital access for all Nigerians. He revealed that the Commission will soon release a comprehensive public map containing detailed information on subscriber behaviour, network coverage, and other key statistics. This map, he said, will help both consumers and investors make informed decisions while fostering accountability across the sector.

The session ended with a vote of thanks from Engr. Sunday Abraham Oshadami, who expressed appreciation to the media for their active participation. “As stakeholders, especially members of the press, your feedback is critical. It helps us identify where we must improve. Together, we can build a stronger, more reliable telecommunications sector for all Nigerians,” he said.

The day concluded with a group photograph and informal discussions, leaving participants with a clearer understanding of the NCC’s vision and the role of collaboration in shaping the future of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.