LICENSING REGULATIONS, 2019

Regulations update the licensing system for telecommunications providers in Nigeria. They target operators and new entrants in the market. This simplifies processes and adapts to technological changes.

What Is This Policy?

Updated regulations governing the classification, issuance, conditions, renewal, and revocation of licences for telecommunications service providers operating in Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

Mobile network operators and ISPs Infrastructure companies and tower operators Value-added and content service providers New market entrants in the telecoms sector

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Modernise Nigeria's telecoms licensing framework, simplify licence categories, reduce barriers to entry for new services, and align with evolving technology and market realities.

Key Features

Unified Access Licensing: Introduces a unified licence framework enabling operators to provide multiple services under a single licence. Class Licences: Maintains class licences for lower-risk services that do not require individual review and approval. Rollout Obligations: Attaches mandatory coverage rollout timelines and targets to individual licences. Technology Neutrality: Adopts technology-neutral licensing principles enabling deployment of any compliant technology.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nigerian telecommunications market Beneficiaries: Telecoms operators, consumers, and the digital economy Funding: NCC licensing fee revenues

How to Access

Submit a licence application to the NCC with required documentation Demonstrate technical and financial qualification criteria Pay prescribed licence application and annual fees Application method: Apply to the NCC through https://www.ncc.gov.ng/licensing

Important Terms

Providing telecom services without a valid licence is a criminal offence Licence conditions are binding and non-negotiable Licence fees must be paid annually

Official Resources

Website: https://www.ncc.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

Legal Framework

The NCC Licensing Regulations 2019 are issued under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and updated the 2013 Licensing Regulations. They operate alongside the NCC Quality of Service Regulations, the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2018, the Frequency Spectrum Regulations, and the Data Protection Act 2023. International alignment is with the ITU Regulatory Framework for Converged Networks and the ECOWAS Supplementary Act on electronic communications.