Nigeria Reviews 26-Year-Old Telecom Policy as Networks Face Mounting Pressure
Nigeria has initiated a comprehensive review of its telecommunications policy, proposing 15 significant changes aimed at addressing subscriber concerns and modernizing the regulatory framework. The updated National Telecommunications Policy 2026 is expected to be implemented before year-end.
The review comes as networks grapple with increasing congestion and infrastructure challenges. A surge in fibre optic cable cuts – over 19,384 recorded in 2025 alone – has contributed to frequent service disruptions nationwide. With data consumption exceeding 4 billion gigabytes in Q1 2026, existing infrastructure is struggling to keep pace.
Key Proposed Reforms:
- Restructuring telecom governance institutions
- Updating the Nigerian Communications Act
- Strengthening competition rules and promoting infrastructure sharing
- Improving spectrum efficiency for 5G and future technologies
- Introducing transparent tariff regulation
- Integrating satellite broadband access
- Establishing a Digital Innovation Fund for startups
- Simplifying permitting processes to reduce deployment costs
The new policy places strong emphasis on consumer protection, affordability, and network reliability through measures focused on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and broader internet access.
Addressing Critical Challenges:
Telecom infrastructure will receive enhanced legal protection as CNII, while a streamlined permitting system aims to address multiple taxation issues that operators currently face. The NCC has achieved only 25% of its planned site upgrade targets, leaving the network overstretched amidst rising data demand.
“When our National Telecommunications Policy was introduced in 2000, Nigeria’s telecom landscape looked very different,” said NCC Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida at a policy review workshop. “The market has evolved beyond those initial assumptions.” He noted that the sector is now entering an ‘era of advanced regulatory frontiers,’ requiring new approaches to emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and satellite broadband.
The updated framework seeks to balance innovation with consumer protection, addressing concerns about online safety, digital trust, and fair competition in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. For subscribers, this could translate into stronger safeguards against fraud, harmful content, and unreliable services.