From Strategy to Results: Aminu Maida’s Impact on Nigeria’s Telecoms

As Nigeria’s digital economy steadily accelerates, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has become one of the most influential drivers of national growth, connectivity and innovation — largely due to the strategic leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida. With a clear vision, a consumer‑focused regulatory approach and bold reforms, Dr. Maida has positioned the NCC as a catalyst for investment, quality services and digital inclusion.

As 2026 unfolds, Nigerians can expect even stronger networks, fairer services, broader access and deeper benefits from an evolving telecoms landscape.

A Leader with Vision and Impact

Since assuming office, Dr. Maida has steered the NCC with a balanced approach that prioritises both consumer interests and industry sustainability — a strategy that has helped grow broadband penetration, enhance service quality and attract significant investments into Nigeria’s telecom market.

Under his leadership, broadband subscriptions climbed from about 96.3 million in 2024 to over 109.6 million in 2025, lifting national broadband penetration beyond 50 %.

Beyond connectivity numbers, the NCC under Dr. Maida has strengthened regulatory frameworks that improve transparency and corporate governance across telecom operators.

Notably, the Commission introduced robust governance guidelines requiring better board structures, internal controls and accountability — steps that build investor confidence and long‑term sector resilience.

Delivering Better Services for Everyday Nigerians

A central theme of Dr. Maida’s leadership has been enhancing the Quality of Experience (QoE) for millions of telecom users nationwide.

In his 2026 Outlook message, he reiterated that the priority this year will be “better services that people can feel, delivered by a market that is fair, competitive and sustainable.”

What this means in practice for Nigerian consumers includes:

Stronger and more reliable networks: With more than 2,800 new and upgraded network sites deployed across the country in 2025, network resilience and coverage have improved, and the NCC plans to expand this further in 2026.

Fairer pricing and transparent tariffs: The Commission will tighten protections against misleading charges, improve billing clarity and ensure consumers understand what they pay for.

Faster complaint resolution: With improved incident reporting frameworks and industry accountability measures, Nigerians can expect more responsive customer care and quicker restoration when services falter.

Expanded internet access and fairness: The rollout of broadband‑supporting infrastructure and coordinated regulatory efforts aim to reduce digital divides — especially between urban and rural communities — enhancing access to education, healthcare, e‑commerce and online services.

Balancing Consumer Trust and Industry Growth

Dr. Maida has emphasised that trust and sustainability must go hand in hand for the telecoms sector to deliver long‑term value. He often articulates that unreliable or unaffordable services erode consumer confidence, while operators unable to invest cannot sustain growth or innovation.

His regulatory strategy aims to strike this balance to ensure both consumers and operators thrive together.

This balanced regulatory direction is part of a broader agenda to make Nigeria’s communications market competitive on the global stage — a move that not only benefits everyday users but also contributes significantly to the nation’s economic productivity and digital transformation.

2026: What Nigerians Will Enjoy

Looking ahead, 2026 under Dr. Maida’s leadership is set to bring further advancements and benefits for Nigerians:

Enhanced network quality: Greater emphasis on performance monitoring and service standards will lead to stronger mobile and broadband networks across more states and communities.

Improved customer experiences: From clearer tariffs to empowered consumer protection mechanisms and faster resolution channels, the sector will be more responsive to user needs.

Fair competition and innovation: Stricter enforcement of fair competition rules and support for new technologies will encourage investment, drive infrastructure rollout, and support emerging digital services.

Digital inclusion: As connectivity expands and internet access deepens, more Nigerians will be able to participate in the digital economy — from remote learning and telemedicine to online business and financial services.

A Forward‑Looking Regulator for a Digital Nigeria

Dr. Aminu Maida’s leadership at the NCC reflects a blend of strategic foresight, regulatory discipline and a commitment to national development. By maintaining industry sustainability while championing consumer rights and network quality, the Commission he

leads is helping to transform Nigeria’s communications landscape — making it more inclusive, competitive, and future‑ready.

For Nigerians in 2026, this leadership translates into tangible everyday benefits — stronger connectivity, fairer services, broader digital access and an industry that supports national growth and global competitiveness.

With Dr. Maida at the helm, the future of Nigeria’s telecoms sector looks more promising than ever