NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION POLICY

A Policy governs the development and regulation of Nigeria's telecommunications sector, including market liberalisation and consumer protection. It targets operators like mobile networks and internet providers, as well as consumers and underserved communities. This promotes affordable and reliable services nationwide.

What Is This Policy?

The National Telecommunications Policy governs the development, regulation, and expansion of Nigeria's telecommunications sector. It sets out the framework for market liberalisation, spectrum management, universal service, broadband deployment, and consumer protection, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the primary independent regulator.

Who Does It Target?

Telecommunications operators: mobile network operators (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile), fixed-line, and internet service providers Spectrum licensees, satellite operators, and device manufacturers Nigerian consumers seeking affordable, reliable, and secure voice, data, and broadband services Rural and underserved communities currently below the threshold for commercial network investment

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Achieve 70% broadband penetration at a minimum speed of 25 Mbps by 2025 under the National Broadband Plan Expand mobile penetration and ensure 98% population coverage for 4G/LTE by 2025 Promote competition, consumer protection, and affordable pricing across all telecom services Build the digital infrastructure backbone for the National Digital Economy Policy, e-government, and financial inclusion

Key Features

Market Liberalisation: Nigeria shifted from a state telecom monopoly (NITEL) to a fully competitive multi-operator market with over 200 licensed operators National Broadband Plan 2020 to 2025: Targets 70% broadband penetration; sets fibre deployment targets; mandates right-of-way reforms to cut infrastructure rollout costs Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF): Levies on licensed operators fund rural broadband and telecoms infrastructure in commercially unviable areas 5G Spectrum Deployment: NCC launched commercial 5G services in Nigeria in 2022 using the 3.5 GHz spectrum band; two operators (MTN, Mafab) hold 5G licences Consumer Protection: NCC's Consumer Affairs Bureau handles billing disputes, service quality complaints, and tariff monitoring for all subscribers NIN-SIM Linkage: All SIM cards must be linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) as a national security and identity verification requirement

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; National Broadband Plan 2020 to 2025 midterm review ongoing; 5G rollout underway in major cities Implementing Body: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCDE) Penetration Rates: Mobile subscriptions: 222 million (2024); broadband: approximately 45% penetration; active internet users: approximately 103 million Funding: Private operator investment (NCC licensed operators invested $25 billion+ cumulatively since 2001); USPF levy; federal ICT budget

How to Access

Consumers: Register complaints about call quality, billing, or data issues with NCC Consumer Affairs Bureau: ncc.gov.ng or call 622 (toll-free) Operators: Apply for telecommunications licences (spectrum, ISP, virtual network) at ncc.gov.ng/licensing Rural Connectivity: Communities without network coverage can apply for USPF-funded infrastructure through state governments and NCC's rural telephony programme Contact: Nigerian Communications Commission: ncc.gov.ng | 0800 1000 NCC (622) | Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja

Official Resources

Website: ncc.gov.ng | commdigital.gov.ng Consumer Complaints: 0800 1000 NCC (622) | Contact: NCC, Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja Policy Summary | Source: NCC, FMCDE, Nigerian Communications Act 2003, National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, GSMA Nigeria | February 2026

Legal Framework

The National Telecommunications Policy operates under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (Establishment) Act. It aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020, the National Broadband Plan 2.0, and Nigeria's obligations under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Constitution and Convention and the WTO Reference Paper on basic telecommunications.