Tech
Nigeria’s journey to G5 regulation and digital transformation: Future steps for consideration (ITU REPORT)
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Collaborative Regulation Report on Nigeria was launched on Tuesday in Abuja by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. This report was prepared by the ITU with support from the FCDO, and in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The ITU Collaborative Regulation Report on Nigeria reviews Nigeria’s collaborative approach in the regulation of ICT. A section of the report treated extensively Nigeria’s journey to G5 regulation and digital transformation and proffer some future steps for consideration. Independent News Express takes an excerpt of this section.
This section revisits the key themes explored in this report and proposes the steps that the NCC and its stakeholders can take to strengthen coordination and collaboration, to improve the readiness of legal, policy and governance frameworks and to facilitate digital transformation in Nigeria. The following steps may be carried out in parallel:
Step 1: Promote locally driven digital transformation. Market development with a locally relevant developmental impact should be at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy. Areas that could be considered for intervention include the promotion of local hosting of cloud services, the wider adoption of mobile money, and broader digital financial service innovation and uptake. Improvements in those areas will have an impact across the economy.
Step 2: Provide policy certainty and predictability. A long-term policy framework will help to create certainty for policymakers, regulators, and market players alike. This needs to be complemented by a keen focus on associated implementation plans for such a framework, the legal and regulatory instruments supporting it, and a reduction in legal and regulatory lags. Certainty and predictability will be enhanced by
: • Development of long-term policies: As noted in section 4, Nigeria’s national economic, digital, and ICT policy frameworks are clear and robust, however, they tend to be short- to medium-term and currently extend to 2030. Consideration should be given to developing a longer term, for example a 30-year national plan and digital agenda, to guide the medium-term strategies.
• Constant and consistent implementation monitoring and evaluation. Once the policy framework is in place, there is a need to focus on policy implementation to ensure impact.63 Implementation needs to be measured through effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks, which includes reporting and public accountability. Nigeria’s broadband penetration at 45 per cent is still 25 percentage points short of its target, which it wants to meet within the next three years, and successful implementation of the national broadband plan will be crucial to drive digital transformation. Similarly, adopting strategies to reduce the digital divide will be critical, such as the 2022 strategy for leveraging agent networks to drive women’s financial inclusion.
. • Reducing policy and regulatory lag: Policy and regulatory instruments should be up to date and keep up with market developments. In order to reduce regulatory lag, the drafting and promulgation of legislation and regulations that support existing policy in a timely manner is important. A number of key medium-term policies have lapsed (2020) or are due to come to an end in the next two years. Notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19 and the recent national elections, it is important that these policies are updated, and their implementation reviewed to ensure their success. NITDA has reported that it has taken steps to put in place frameworks to facilitate e-health, e-education and data protection, but awareness of these is limited, even amongst affected stakeholders and these are yet to be formally promulgated. Delays and/or overlaps will only serve to reduce the impact and potential relevance of these policy and regulatory instruments.
Step 3: Maintain a high level of regulatory maturity in the fast-evolving digital environment. In order for NCC to lead the required collaboration effectively, it needs to be sufficiently mature and agile. As discussed in section 5, regulatory maturity can be measured by regulatory independence and accountability, transparency and predictability, expertise, proactivity, and future orientation, as well as by a wide network of collaborating agencies delivering concrete solutions to ICT and digital market challenges. Nigeria’s NCC fairs well in terms of its maturity and is encouraged to continue to manage the ‘basic’ telecommunication regulatory processes and standards that it mastered on its path to G4 regulation, such as transparent public consultation processes, impact analysis and research.
Step 4: Enhance the quality of collaboration. Strategic partnership and collaboration is a key pillar in the NCC vision implementation plan (SVIP) and its strategic management plan (SMP). The implementation of this pillar, and the facilitation of inter- and cross-sector collaboration by NCC has been confirmed by interviews carried out in support of this research. It is further evidenced by the formal and semi-formal relationships that exist across institutions. Notwithstanding this inter-agency collaboration, it is important to note that the international benchmarks in section 2 (Table 1) generally place Nigeria’s performance in the third quartile. This implies that while in many instances substantial steps have been taken to collaborate, the depth and quality of collaboration between regulators and with other stakeholders needs to continue to improve. This will strengthen the shift from consultation to collaboration and will improve implementation outcomes. In addition, it is crucial to be mindful of the digital ecosystem and the roles that various institutions play in it. Nigeria needs to be flexible and forward looking to take full advantage of the emerging benefits brought about by ICTs and digital transformation.
Step 5: The institutional frameworks should support role clarity, policy coherence, and lean governance. While responsibility for digital transformation at the federal level is shared between the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy agencies (such as NCC, NBC, and NITDA), there are a large number of other government agencies that impact digital transformation and e-government implementation, which leads to issues of responsibility overlaps and ineffective coordination. In instances where there are overlaps, gaps or a lack of clarity, as in the case of NCC and NITDA, there is a need to clarify uncertainty, take steps to reduce forum shopping, and address ineffective policy implementation.
The findings of this report are aligned with the World Bank Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic Report that recommended improvements to the legal framework to streamline overlapping responsibilities between agencies, both horizontally in the ICT sector, and vertically between state and national levels, and improve coordination at a policy level.64 To facilitate this, it is recommended that there is a focus on two key issues.
1. Coordination between the different agencies that govern ICT policy, regulation, and implementation can be achieved through the merger of agencies where the overlap warrants it, or when external factors and trends, such as convergence, necessitate it. The potential merger of NCC and NBC is one such example. Where there is not enough similarity between institution mandates to warrant a merger, the establishment of formalized inter-ministerial and inter-agency structures, such as the National Broadband Infrastructure Joint Committee and the Joint Tax Board, would be a useful means to facilitate coordination.
2. Coordination at the national level is important where there is a wide variation of institutional arrangements, particularly evident in Nigeria, and where the objective is to facilitate a digital economy. Linkages between federal and state level institutions and between sector specific ministries, departments and agencies are necessary for an effective and outcome-driven collaborative governance framework to exist.
The example set by the Edo State model, where a stand-alone ICT agency has been established with responsibility for overseeing state level implementation, and which reports to the Governor in a way that aligns with national policy, has been found to be very effective. This model could be considered for adoption by other states.
Step 6: Expand collaboration and create new partnerships. Whole-of-government collaboration and cooperation should be encouraged as described in the ITU GSR-21 Best Practice Guidelines65. For many agencies, a more formal engagement could be considered where NCC currently has informal or non-existent collaborative relationships. These institutions and other stakeholders could be considered as future partners. In addition, consideration should be given to:
• Collaboration with ministries of health and education could be improved and strengthened through a more formal engagement mechanism than is currently in place between NCC and these ministries.
• At a sector-specific level, it should be recognized that IT and digitization knowledge lie better with NITDA (and more broadly the ICT ministry), however the subject matter expertise resides with the relevant ministry or agency that has little ICT knowledge. This should be acknowledged and reflected in how sector ICT strategies are developed and implemented, with ministries and NITDA setting up collaborative structures co-led by the two institutions. With regard to the implementation of the new e-health policy and the e-education policy developed by NIDTA, practical next steps to facilitate successful implementation include, ensuring stakeholder buy-in, increasing awareness across government and other stakeholders, and in the case of education, the relevant agencies developing further sub-policies to support the ICT in education policy.
• Collaboration between NCC and the transport regulatory authority, energy regulatory authority and the postal regulation authority is currently minimal, and increasing collaboration opportunities should be considered. For example, collaboration and/ or coordination will strengthen the response to innovations such as e-hailing and communications technologies that require the evolution of traditional postal services. In addition, collaboration will enable a proactive and supportive approach to innovation that occurs across sectors, again cross-sector regulatory sandboxes could be a good way of facilitating this.
• Federal and state level ICT policy and regulatory authorities could increase their level of collaboration and coordination and, through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum or another mechanism, a way could be found to share lessons learned and best practices between states.
Step 7: Promote innovation: The policy and legal framework should build space for regulatory experimentation and incentives for digital innovation. Where innovation has occurred and new and innovative applications of technology have been evidenced, Nigeria’s regulators across sectors have been faced with challenges. For example, e-hailing services have received mixed policy and regulatory signals from government. Local platforms such as those cutting across sectors or state boundaries require regulatory certainty to thrive and to provide safe services to consumers. Rather than a re-active approach, the approach taken by CBN in developing a sandbox framework may prove useful for other digital services across other sectors of the economy as well. This will facilitate the development of a more deliberate approach to support innovation and to facilitate financing and ultimately market entry by entrepreneurs and small businesses with locally relevant ideas. It is key that a regulatory mindset that facilitates innovation, and the changes that it may bring about, is encouraged.
Step 8: Improve the cybersecurity framework: While various instruments and institutions are in place to combat cybercrime and enhance cybersecurity capacity and capabilities, efforts of different stakeholders need better coordination and communication. The National Cyber Security Policy 2022 prescribes a single national CERT and sector CSIRTs. Only a few sectors specific CSIRTs and focal points are active. This needs to be remedied given the cross-sector impact of cyber-crime.
Step 9: Develop detailed plans or roadmaps for digital skills and adoption. A total ecosystem approach should be taken to drive digital transformation. While high-level policies to facilitate digital skills and to encourage broadband usage and uptake are in place in Nigeria, these are not sufficient for effective implementation. The national digital economy policy and strategy clearly identified a digital literacy and skills pillar and an indigenous content, development, and adoption pillar that would both facilitate the achievement of the goal of a 95 per cent digital literacy level by 2030. However, detailed plans are needed to give effect to this goal, and where they already exist monitoring and evaluation is critical. Supporting policies, such as the NITDA draft national digital literacy framework (2022) should have buy in from all affected ministries, agencies and departments and be quickly followed by detailed implementation plans monitored by the relevant institutions
Source: inewsexpress
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to accelerate broadband deployment, reduce Right of Way (RoW) bottlenecks, and safeguard Nigeria’s critical telecom infrastructure.
Speaking at the Business Roundtable Forum with States held at the NCC Digital Economy Complex, Abuja, Dr. Maida stressed that the country’s digital prosperity depends on aligning policies across all levels of government to foster investment, connectivity, and inclusion.
“In earlier eras, a community without a railway or electricity could still subsist. In today’s world, a community without digital connectivity is invisible,” he said. “It is cut off from education, markets, healthcare, and opportunity. We must act decisively, state by state, community by community, to ensure no one is left behind.”
The event, themed “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity,” brought together governors’ representatives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss practical ways to harmonize policies that will enable broadband growth nationwide.
Dr. Maida highlighted the economic importance of broadband, noting that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can drive 1.38% GDP growth in developing economies.
With Nigeria’s broadband penetration standing at 48.81% as of August 2025, the EVC emphasized that achieving the National Broadband Plan target of 70% by 2025 could significantly enhance productivity, innovation, and job creation.
He compared Nigeria’s digital potential to success stories in Rwanda and India, where investments in broadband and digital governance have propelled economic expansion. “With over 200 million people and a median age of 18, Nigeria can not only follow those trajectories but surpass them, if we equip our youth with reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity,” he said.
Under the Tinubu administration and the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NCC has implemented several strategic interventions to strengthen the telecommunications ecosystem.
Dr. Maida disclosed that through sustained advocacy, the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order was signed in June 2024, providing legal backing for the protection of telecom assets.
Working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Commission established a Telecom Industry Working Group to ensure full operationalization of the Order.
He added that public awareness campaigns, enforcement efforts, and prosecutions have already led to the dismantling of major cartels behind telecom equipment theft across the country.
On Right of Way (RoW), he revealed that 11 states have now waived charges entirely, while 17 others have aligned with the ₦145 per meter benchmark set by the Nigerian Governors Forum.
“Policy direction matters. In states that have waived RoW and supported infrastructure protection, operators are expanding networks with greater confidence,” he noted.
The EVC announced that telecom operators have collectively pledged over $1 billion in new rollout investments to expand broadband coverage nationwide.
He also unveiled two upcoming NCC initiatives:
The Ease of Doing Business Portal, a one-stop digital platform to simplify information access and engagement with all 36 states and the FCT.
The Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI), a yearly scorecard to measure and publish each state’s digital readiness and competitiveness.
Despite progress, Dr. Maida acknowledged ongoing challenges such as fibre cuts, vandalism, multiple taxation, energy instability, and inconsistent RoW regimes.
Between January and August 2025 alone, the NCC recorded 19,384 fibre cuts, 3,241 equipment thefts, and over 19,000 access denials to telecom sites.
He urged governors to adopt uniform, pro-investment policies and strengthen partnerships that promote security and sustainability in the digital sector.
“Pipelines of oil are giving way to pipelines of fibre. The prosperity of our states will depend on how fast we build, protect, and connect our digital networks,” Dr. Maida concluded.
Techeconomy
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, has been recognised for the second consecutive year as one of the World’s Best Companies of 2025 by TIME and Statista. Check Point is featured on the list due to its strong employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability transparency.
“Being recognised on TIME and Statista’s list of the World’s Best Companies of 2025 is an incredible honor,” said Sigal Gillmore, Chief Human Resources Officer, at Check Point Software Technologies. “This achievement reflects the innovation, dedication, and passion of our people worldwide. It underscores our commitment not only to shaping the future of cyber security, but also to fostering a workplace where talent thrives and employees are proud to belong.”
The ranking is the result of three key survey and research dimensions conducted on a global scale in partnership with Statista:
Employee satisfaction: Statista surveyed over 200,000 workers from around the world on their opinions of employers – both theirs and perceptions of others
Revenue growth: Statista looked for companies with positive revenue growth for the past three years
Sustainability Transparency: Statista evaluated companies’ efforts and achievements across environment, social, and an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report
In addition to being recognised as one of the World’s Best Companies of 2025, Check Point has been recognised five times as the World’s Best Cyber Security Employer by Forbes, as a Best Company to Work For by US News & World Report, one of America’s Best Cybersecurity Companies by Newsweek and Statista and included on Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas 2024 list, among other accolades.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, inaugurated an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre at Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area, describing it as a milestone in bridging the digital divide and preparing youths for opportunities in the 21st century.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for constructing the facility as part of its corporate social responsibility.
He noted that the state government, through the Ministry of Science and Technology, had equipped the centre with modern ICT tools, furniture, and accessories to make it a fully functional hub for digital learning.
“Today’s event is remarkable, as it brings a modern communication and learning hub right to the heart of our community. With the establishment of this ICT and CBT centre in Onicha-Olona, our young people no longer need to look far for such facilities.
“More than just infrastructure, this state-of-the-art centre represents a bold step in our commitment to bridge the digital divide, empower our people, and prepare Deltans with the skills and opportunities to excel in the 21st century,” the Governor said.
He expressed gratitude to Mrs Diana Okonta, former NDIC Board Member, for her strong advocacy in ensuring the project’s take-off, and acknowledged former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for approving the first phase of the project.
Oborevwori assured that under his administration’s MORE Agenda, Delta youths would continue to have access to platforms that promote digital literacy, job creation, and self-reliance.
He encouraged the people of Onicha-Olona and the wider Delta community to take full advantage of the opportunities the centre provides.
In his remarks, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, described the centre as a gateway to effective education, innovation, and economic growth for Onicha-Olona and Delta State at large. He commended the state government the completion of the project.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Daniel Odigie, described the facility as a centre for learning and innovation in coding, app development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and basic computer literacy.
He said the centre was designed to nurture talent, spark creativity, and unlock boundless potential.
Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Chinye Bazim, lauded Governor Oborevwori for situating the project in the area, noting that it would serve as a game-changer in empowering youths and promoting education.
He also highlighted other state government’s projects in the locality, including the nearly completed Issele-Uku–Otulu Road, Onicha-Ugbo township roads, and the College of Nursing Science at Onicha-Uku.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Onicha-Olona Development Union, Sir Patrick Ejido, said the centre, equipped with 300 workstations, solar power supply, and modern facilities, was a beacon of innovation and empowerment for the community.
He thanked the NDIC, community leaders, and other stakeholders who played a role in making the project a reality, while assuring that the host community would protect and sustain the centre.
The event attracted government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, and youths.
A new telecom company has arrived in Nigeria, aiming to challenge industry giants MTN, Airtel, and Glo.
Lebara Nigeria is inviting Nigerians to reserve their preferred phone numbers through its Number Reservation Portal ahead of its official launch. The company, a subsidiary of London-based Lebara Group, is expected to commence services in the third quarter of 2025.
The portal, featuring the 0724 number series, allows customers to choose combinations with personal significance, such as birthdays, lucky numbers, or simple patterns. It also suggests various numbers, including options similar to users’ current phone numbers on other networks.
Requirements to Reserve a Number
To qualify for a phone number reservation, users must be at least 13 years old and provide basic details to receive a one-time password via email. After verification, they must enter their National Identification Number (NIN), which the system uses to confirm personal information such as date of birth. Verified users can then choose from available numbers, with a confirmation email completing the reservation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mary O. Akin-Adesokan, Lebara Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer, described the initiative as part of the company’s focus on personalization and customer empowerment. She stated, “Our objective is to synergise personalization with cutting-edge technology, thereby empowering customers to reserve numbers that align with their digital identity. Our readiness with the 0724 series and full interconnect setup underscores our unwavering commitment to seamless integration, customer freedom, and market inclusivity.”
Samuel Alabi, Head of Corporate Communications at Lebara Nigeria, explained: “You buy minutes, not airtime. If your call ends in 30 seconds, you still have 99 minutes and 30 seconds left. That’s the kind of clarity and control we are bringing to Nigerian telecoms.”
According to reports, Lebara Nigeria holds a Tier-5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licence, which allows it to offer a full range of telecom services. This licence is also the highest category under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regulatory framework. As a Tier-5 MVNO, the company is authorised to lease infrastructure from existing networks and build its offerings on top.
Lebara to Offer eSIM:
Lebara Nigeria aims to leverage its global experience as an MVNO to provide affordable, high-quality mobile services in Nigeria. The company will operate on existing network infrastructure, offering both SIM and eSIM options, full nationwide coverage, and real-time billing transparency.
The Federal Government has enacted the closure of approximately 13,597,057 social media accounts due to offensive content and violations of the Code of Practice across platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
This information was presented in the “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report,” submitted by the promoters of significant interactive computer service platforms, notably Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.
The Code of Practice was collaboratively established by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The 2024 report, titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection,” disclosed that a cumulative total of 58,909,112 offensive posts were removed from various platforms throughout the year.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, confirmed these statistics, noting that 754,629 complaints were officially documented.
She commended Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their ongoing compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries.
“The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ endeavors to address user safety concerns in accordance with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines,” she stated.
Hajiya Umar remarked, “The submission of these reports signifies a notable advancement towards fostering a safer and more responsible digital environment for users in Nigeria.
“It also exemplifies the platforms’ dedication to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online ecosystem for all stakeholders.
“This accomplishment reflects the mandates of the Code of Practice, which requires that major service platforms are registered in Nigeria and adhere to relevant legal provisions, including fulfilling their tax obligations while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerian citizens.
“While NITDA recognizes these commendable initiatives, we emphasize that the enhancement of a safer digital environment necessitates sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.
“We remain committed to collaborating with industry participants, civil society, and regulatory partners to further enhance user safety measures, promote digital literacy, and foster trust and transparency within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says President Bola Tinubu has removed the 5 percent excise duty on telecommunications services, as reported by TheCable.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Maida said the levy, which had been temporarily suspended, has now been scrapped under the new tax law.
“The excise duty, it was the 5 percent or so, that is no longer there,” he said.
“Before it was suspended, but now the president has been magnanimous to remove it entirely. I was in a room when it was raised, and he said, no, we cannot put this on Nigerians. I was very pleased when the bills came out and we saw his words were followed through.”
On July 6, 2023, Tinubu signed four executive orders, including the suspension of the 5 percent excise tax on telecommunication services to ameliorate the negative impact of tax adjustments on businesses and households.
However, the national assembly, on October 20, 2024, proposed the reintroduction of the excise duty on telecommunications services, gaming, betting, and lottery activities.
The proposal was rejected by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), which said it would be unfair for the government to impose an excise duty when it is striving to sustain operations.
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