The Nigerian Communications Commission has begun a review of the National Telecommunications Policy 2000, nearly three decades after its adoption, saying rapid technological advances and changing market conditions have overtaken the existing framework.

The Commission announced the move on Monday with the release of a consultation paper inviting stakeholders to submit input on the proposed policy revisions.

The NCC said the review is intended to reposition Nigeria’s telecommunications policy in line with current developments in digital services, internet governance, satellite communications, broadband expansion and universal access, while preserving the sector’s role as a major driver of economic growth.

According to the Commission, the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 was introduced in response to an earlier framework that had become outdated.

It said the NTP replaced the 1998 policy, ushering in full market liberalisation, stakeholder consultation and a unified regulatory framework under the NCC.

“Prior to the liberalisation, midwifed by the NTP, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector was dominated by the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), which was a government-owned monopoly.
“NITEL was reputably characterized by obsolete equipment, poor quality of service and low teledensity,” the Commission stated.

However, the Commission said that, much like the 1998 policy was overtaken by rapid global technological change, the 2000 policy now needs a comprehensive overhaul to respond to today’s realities, including platform-driven digital services, broadband-dependent applications and emerging non-terrestrial networks.

The development of the National Telecommunications Policy paved the way for the licensing of GSM operators in 2001 and 2002, a move that transformed Nigeria’s telecommunications market almost overnight.

Mobile subscriptions rapidly overtook fixed-line connections, highlighting significant pent-up demand and the market’s vast potential.

More importantly, the policy laid the groundwork for the enactment of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which created a robust statutory and regulatory framework for the sector.

The NCC recognized that the NTP played a key role in driving e-commerce, digital financial services, and the broader digital economy, guiding Nigeria’s shift from a slow, state-run telecom sector to a competitive, innovation-led market.

As part of the review, the Commission is proposing targeted amendments to several sections of the policy.

Chapter Seven, which focuses on the internet, is to be revised to address online safety, strengthen internet exchange frameworks and offer clearer policy guidance on content moderation, online platforms and digital services operating in Nigeria.

Additionally, Chapter Ten on Financing and Funding will be updated to outline the monetary and fiscal support required to drive sector growth, particularly amid ongoing tax and fiscal reforms.

The NCC is also inviting stakeholder input on policy measures to address persistent issues, including multiple taxation and overlapping regulations.