The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has invited stakeholders to submit written contributions toward the review of Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000.

The Commission says the review could lead to the development of a new NTP 2026, replacing the existing policy introduced 25 years ago.

Stakeholders have until March 20, 2026, to submit their inputs.

The consultation paper has been published on the Commission’s website.

Why It Matters

Nigeria’s telecom sector has transformed dramatically since 2000.

At the time, the country had just about 500,000 active lines.

Today, there are nearly 180 million mobile connections.

The NCC says the current review aims to address emerging challenges including broadband penetration, spectrum management, universal access, quality of service and net neutrality.

It also seeks to respond to rising demand for data services and evolving digital technologies.

What the NCC Says

According to the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, the consultation is only the first stage of a broader engagement process.

“This is a first step in the consultation process and there will be other layers of engagements, to ensure that the final draft accommodates varied expertise, feedback and inputs from a cross section of stakeholders,” Maida said.

He urged stakeholders to actively participate.

He implored stakeholders to take the opportunity to participate in developing the policy that will take the communications sector to the next level after the immeasurable successes attained since 2000.

The Commission said the review is being conducted in line with Section 24 (1) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, which mandates public consultation before policy formulation or modification.

Section 24 (1) states:

“Prior to the formulation or review of the general policy for the Nigerian communications sector, the Minister shall cause the Commission on his behalf to first carry out a public consultative process on the proposed policy formulation or modification.”

The NCC also noted that the review follows the inauguration of a Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) and a Ministerial Technical Committee (MTC) by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

Dr Maida added:

The process will lead to the development of the first draft of the NTP 2026 to replace the existing NTP 2000, following 25 years of implementation.

He said the draft would undergo further consultations before final approval.

Public and Economic Impact

Telecommunications contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

Any policy shift could affect:

Data pricing and affordability

Broadband expansion in rural areas

Quality of service standards

Investment climate for telecom operators

Digital job creation

For everyday users, the review could shape how affordable and accessible internet services become in the coming years.

What’s Next?

Submissions are open to:

Licensees in the Nigerian communications sector

Consumers

Government agencies

International partners

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

Interested individuals

The deadline for submissions is March 20, 2026.

The NCC says additional consultation stages will follow before a final draft is validated.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a public consultation on Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, a technology that allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without traditional base stations.

The consultation, announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, invites members of the public, telecom operators, satellite service providers and other stakeholders to submit feedback on the opportunities, risks and public-interest issues linked to D2D services in Nigeria.

According to the NCC, stakeholder contributions will help the Commission build a clearer understanding of emerging D2D service models and their potential impact on Nigeria’s communications ecosystem.

Why this matters

Satellite Direct-to-Device technology is seen as a possible solution to Nigeria’s long-standing connectivity gaps, particularly in rural, remote and hard-to-reach communities.

If properly regulated, experts say the technology could improve emergency communications, boost digital inclusion and support economic activities in areas with limited network infrastructure.

However, regulators also face questions around spectrum use, national security, competition with existing mobile networks and consumer protection.

What the NCC is saying

The NCC said feedback from the consultation would guide its regulatory decisions on Satellite Direct-to-Device connectivity in Nigeria.

“Stakeholder inputs will support the NCC in achieving a robust understanding of emerging D2D service models and their implications for Nigeria’s communications ecosystem,” the Commission stated.

It added that responses received would inform its assessment and decision-making on any future regulatory framework for the technology.

The Commission explained that the consultation paper is part of a preliminary stakeholder engagement, ahead of any formal rule-making process under Section 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

How the public can participate

The NCC has asked stakeholders to access the consultation paper through the link provided in the public notice.

The document contains full details of the proposed D2D consultation and a list of questions to guide responses.

Submissions are to be made through the online form included in the document.

All responses must be submitted on or before February 23, 2026, the Commission said.

The notice was signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Head of the Public Affairs Department at the Nigerian Communications Commission.

What’s next

After reviewing submissions, the NCC is expected to decide whether to develop a formal regulatory framework for Satellite Direct-to-Device connectivity in Nigeria.

Any future rules would shape how satellite providers, mobile network operators and consumers engage with the technology.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined key priorities for 2026, placing consumer experience, network quality and fair competition at the centre of its regulatory agenda.

Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO Dr Aminu Maida said the focus is on making telecom services more reliable, affordable and transparent while ensuring the industry remains attractive to investors.

Why It Matters

Telecommunications is a vital part of everyday life in Nigeria, shaping how people communicate, work, learn and do business.

In 2025, broadband subscriptions grew strongly and network coverage expanded, with millions more connected nationwide. These gains set the stage for deeper improvements in service quality and consumer protections in 2026.

Reliable networks and transparent pricing are critical to building trust, supporting economic activity and advancing Nigeria’s ambition to become a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

What the Regulator Says

Dr Maida highlighted that while progress has been made including broader 4G and 5G coverage and faster mobile data speeds, consumers still face inconsistent service quality in some areas.

He told stakeholders that consumer trust is central: “If consumers do not experience reliable and affordable service, trust is eroded; if operators cannot invest sustainably, growth stalls.”

The regulator’s 2026 priorities include:

Enhanced monitoring of network quality and incident reporting to reduce outages.

Tighter oversight of tariffs, billing accuracy and customer care to reduce misleading practices.

Promotion of fair competition and market discipline to bring better prices and services.

Implementation of a revised Corporate Governance Code to improve operator accountability.

Impact on Readers

For telecom users across Nigeria, this means:

clearer billing and pricing,

fewer unresolved failed transactions,

better communication during major outages, and

stronger protections against poor service.

For businesses, improved networks and transparent regulations can support digital commerce, remote work and innovation.

Overall, experts say that a stable, consumer-centric telecom market helps expand Nigeria’s participation in the global digital economy.

What’s Next

The NCC’s agenda sets milestones for 2026, but implementation will require ongoing industry cooperation, investment in infrastructure (such as Project BRIDGE) and robust regulatory oversight.

Lawmakers and regulators may also pursue updated legal frameworks to keep pace with new technologies and digital services.