The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This initiative aims to harness the potential of the country’s tech-savvy population and rapidly expanding internet access, with broadband penetration currently at about 43%.
Recognizing the indispensable role of telecommunications infrastructure, the NCC is committed to ensuring universal, affordable, and reliable telecom services. These services are crucial for enabling digital technologies that transform various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and public services.
President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda emphasizes the empowerment of youth and women through the digital economy. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, unveiled a strategic blueprint titled “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency.” This strategy aims to support Nigeria’s economic growth by enhancing productivity through digital innovation.
Key targets in Dr. Tijani’s Strategic Agenda 2023-2027 include:
– Achieving a 50% improvement in Quality of Service (QoS) by the end of 2024.
– Increasing Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70% by the end of 2025.
– Delivering data download speeds of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas by the end of 2025.
– Providing coverage for at least 80% of the country’s population, especially underserved and unserved areas, by the end of 2026.
– Reducing the gap of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61% to less than 20% by 2027.
– Securing a 300% to 500% increase in broadband investment by the end of 2027.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, has introduced three Strategic Focus Areas: Consumers, Industry and Licensees, and Government. His approach balances the unique perspectives and expectations of these stakeholders.
For consumers, Dr. Maida emphasizes an enhanced Quality of Experience. This approach covers all touchpoints in using telecom services, from selection to off-boarding. Initiatives such as independent audits of billing systems and simplifying tariff plans are underway to enhance transparency and address consumer complaints about data depletion.
For the industry and licensees, Dr. Maida focuses on building a resilient sector and improving regulatory services. The NCC is addressing industry debt issues, advocating for the designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, and successfully persuading multiple states to waive Right of Way (RoW) fees. The Commission is also engaging with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms to address multiple taxation issues in the telecom sector.
The NCC is reviewing its regulatory instruments and licensing frameworks to align with current realities, incorporating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 5G and other critical participants in the Quality of Service regulations.
By achieving these goals, the NCC is actively supporting the Ministry’s vision of boosting economic growth and productivity through technological innovation, delivering on the promise of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians.