BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), recently shared how the country is helping to shape global telecom rules at a major international meeting in Ankara, Türkiye. During the global event, the commission showed off its new reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and the governance of the digital market.
This annual meeting brought telecom regulators from all over the world together to share ideas, look at the best ways to work, and talk about the challenges facing the sector.
The head of the NCC, Aminu Maida, noted that during the meeting, regulators approved a new guide for digital regulation. This new toolkit is built to help authorities handle increasingly complex digital markets and networks.
Maida took part in a panel discussion about how to use new technologies safely. He joined regulators and tech experts from different countries to discuss how rules can open up the benefits of new tech while still keeping proper supervision.
He explained that the NCC used the event to show Nigeria’s new way of doing things, which focuses heavily on using data wisely and being open with the public. He said the agency is moving beyond just collecting data to actually understanding it, and sharing information in a way that empowers consumers and holds telecom companies accountable.
Maida pointed out that several public tools—like network coverage maps, industry stats, and regular network performance reports—are helping consumers check the quality of their service while supporting the growth of the digital economy.
Nigeria is also focusing on other key goals, including a new internet code of practice to encourage responsible behavior online, and a cyber security plan to protect the telecom sector from online attacks.
Maida stressed that government agencies must work together to manage the digital market smoothly. He added that the NCC is creating a better environment for telecom operators through fair management of network frequencies and infrastructure. These steps are meant to protect consumers, improve service, and encourage new investments in Nigeria’s digital space.
