BY AISHAV MUHAMMAD MAGAJI
The House of Representatives Committee on Communications, in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has commenced a comprehensive review of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to align it with current technological advancements and national digital aspirations.
The two-day colloquium, which began on Tuesday in Lagos, is themed “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003; 22 Years After – Challenges, Opportunities and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria.” It brought together lawmakers, telecom operators, regulators, and key industry stakeholders to assess the relevance of the two-decade-old law in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Participants at the event emphasized the urgent need to revise the Act to reflect new realities, particularly the need for a more empowered and independent regulatory framework, stronger cybersecurity provisions, clearer regulatory boundaries between the NCC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and better protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII).
Many agreed that the current legislation no longer adequately addresses the complexities and demands of Nigeria’s fast-growing telecommunications sector.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, acknowledged the immense progress of the digital economy, particularly in areas like digital banking and financial inclusion. However, he also noted that these developments have introduced new challenges that must be tackled through legislative updates.
According to Abbas, the colloquium is expected to generate thoughtful contributions that will guide the House Committee on Communications in its amendment of the Act.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Hon. Peter Akpatason, highlighted the transformative impact of the original Communications Act, which has catalyzed significant progress in the telecoms sector. He, however, stressed the need to reassess its effectiveness.
“While exponential progress has been made in the last 22 years, a significant digital divide persists. Many Nigerians still lack access to digital services,” Akpatason said. “This review is essential to address evolving market dynamics and technological realities and to craft a forward-looking legal framework that promotes inclusivity and growth.”
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, praised the Act’s role in dismantling monopolies and creating a transparent and competitive telecoms environment. He said the review process presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the Act and reposition it for future challenges.
“This colloquium is not just about reforming a law—it’s about shaping Nigeria’s digital destiny,” Maida stated.
During a panel session, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, called for the inclusion of provisions in the revised Act to tackle the issue of multiple taxation, which he described as a major burden on operators. He also proposed the creation of an industry working group to provide practical input into the legislative reform process.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are optimistic that a revised telecoms law will pave the way for a more innovative, inclusive, and digitally resilient Nigeria.
