The telecoms sector continues to prove its value as a major economic contributor, with growing infrastructure investment and job creation serving as proof of the industry’s impact.
Since the appointment of Dr. Aminu Maida as Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in October 2023, the regulatory body has shifted gears with a clearer direction toward industry sustainability and inclusive growth.
One of the most visible signs of this change is the scale of infrastructure investments made by leading operators. MTN Nigeria plans to invest N900 billion in the year alone, focused on network expansion and protection of fibre optic cables to address persistent cases of vandalism.
Similarly, Airtel Nigeria is pushing forward with a $725 million capital expenditure forecast, aimed at strengthening its network footprint and service quality. These commitments have been driven by a more collaborative regulatory environment that places emphasis on transparency, compliance, and data-backed decision-making.
This infrastructure push is having a measurable impact on employment. The sector is estimated to have generated over 2.3 million direct and indirect jobs under this leadership.
The NCC’s push for local content development is also ensuring that indigenous service providers and equipment suppliers benefit, reinforcing the broader economic relevance of the telecoms sector.
The regulator’s new direction is structured around a five-pillar vision: People, Collaboration, Data-Driven Decision Making, Compliance, and Digitisation. These pillars align with the federal government’s wider 2023–2027 Strategic Blueprint, which focuses on knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, and trade.
Applauding NCC’s vision to reinvigorate the sector, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo said: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) did very well in regulating the telecoms sector and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, also did well in his business-friendly policies and implementation that helped the growth of the sector in 2024.”
Transparency is another major area where Maida’s administration is pushing boundaries. The Commission introduced fresh Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations in 2024 that set specific parameters for network performance across 2G, 3G, and 4G services. These include limits for call drop rates, call setup success rates, and traffic congestion.
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“At my meeting with industry leaders, we were unambiguous that QoE will not be negotiable. The Commission will take compliance in this regard seriously, and a standard of what is least acceptable will be set,” Maida noted.
Failure to meet these standards attracts a ₦5 million fine per infraction, plus an additional ₦500,000 daily penalty until the issue is resolved. Operators are now required to submit monthly reports and undergo frequent drive tests and consumer surveys, ensuring that service improvements are not just promised but tracked.
Another priority area has been digital infrastructure. Recognising broadband as the “biggest enabler of the digital economy,” the Commission has initiated a modernisation of its internal processes, including digitising most operations to reduce red tape and boost regulatory efficiency. There are also plans to reposition the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos to serve as a vital tool in building a knowledge-based economy.
The expansion of 5G is also progressing. MTN’s 5G network now covers over 12 per cent of the population, up from 7.5 per cent in September 2023. Mafab Communications and Airtel Nigeria have followed suit, supported by frameworks designed to ensure healthy competition and innovation.
On the consumer front, NCC’s actions have helped reduce unnecessary charges through new billing transparency rules and interventions in interconnectivity disputes. These efforts have saved consumers billions of naira annually and prevented service disruptions that could have affected over 100 million users.
Looking ahead, the NCC is laying the groundwork for even more reforms. Plans are underway to roll out a National Roaming Framework to improve connectivity in underserved areas and implement stronger cybersecurity protocols to protect critical infrastructure. Combined, these efforts are positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in telecommunications, with a sector that not only drives GDP growth—14.58 per cent as of Q1 2024—but also touches millions of lives through job creation, improved services, and digital inclusion.