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NCC Unveils New Licensing Framework To Boost Tech Innovation

Published

3 months ago

July 17, 2025

The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced a new licensing framework designed to foster innovation and expand opportunities for startups and technology-driven enterprises within the telecommunications sector.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barrister Rimini Makama, at a stakeholders’ forum on the Draft General Authorisation Framework held on Thursday in Abuja.

Maida said the General Authorisation Framework was designed to offer a more flexible and responsive approach to telecom licensing, one that recognises and accommodates emerging services not currently captured under the existing regime.

“We are now at a turning point where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling,” Maida said.

According to him, the new framework introduces three key regulatory instruments, including Proof-of-Concept pilots to test novel solutions in real-world conditions; a Regulatory Sandbox to allow controlled testing of ideas like Open RAN and spectrum sharing; and an Interim Service Authorisation for services that fall outside current licensing categories.

Maida explained that these tools will provide innovators—whether startups or large firms—a safe environment to demonstrate feasibility, assess risks, and validate ideas before going to market.

“This model encourages experimentation and responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer rights and public interest,” he said.

While calling for support from all industry players, the NCC boss emphasised that stakeholder collaboration will be critical to the framework’s success.

He urged mobile network operators, service providers, infrastructure companies, OEMs, academia, and civil society to contribute their insights toward refining the regulatory model.

“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is no longer distant. It is unfolding right before us. And at the heart of this future is the communications sector—our shared infrastructure for innovation, inclusion, and economic advancement,” he noted.

Maida concluded by expressing hope that the engagement would strengthen investor confidence, deepen the innovation value chain, and pave the way for sustainable growth across the communications ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Licensing and Authorisation at the NCC, Usman Mamman, said the draft framework was developed through cross-departmental collaboration, internal reviews of recent service applications, and international benchmarking.

He said, “A Benchmark Study was carried out to learn how other Countries support innovation, including the UK’s Ofcom Sandbox model and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority testbeds. These examples helped us understand how to promote innovation in a way that still meets regulatory goals.

“The proposed framework aligns with national digital economy policies, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the National Broadband Plan, and the wider goals of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

Mamman explained that the Commission identified a growing number of novel service requests that could not be accommodated under existing categories, prompting the need for a more agile licensing structure.

He noted that the proposed framework incorporates safeguards such as data protection, cybersecurity measures, and customer information policies, all designed to ensure the responsible deployment of new technologies.

He noted that stakeholder feedback will be critical in refining the document.

The session drew participants from across the telecom industry, regulatory bodies, and the tech ecosystem, all of whom were encouraged to submit recommendations that could help align the framework with national development goals.

News

Lagos Closes Adeniji Adele–CMS Lane For Six Weeks Of Repairs

Published

1 hour ago

October 8, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government has announced a partial closure of the Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS for six weeks to allow for rehabilitation works by the Federal Government.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the repair works will run daily between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., starting Sunday, October 12, and ending Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Osiyemi explained that only one lane of the road will be closed during the period, while the remaining lanes will remain open to traffic to minimize disruptions.

He assured motorists that traffic management officers will be stationed along the corridor to ensure smooth vehicular movement and reduce inconvenience during the rehabilitation.

“Motorists are implored to be patient, as the lane diversion is part of the traffic management plan for the rehabilitation of the road by the Federal Ministry of Works,” the commissioner said.

He also urged drivers to comply with the directives of traffic officials on duty to ensure safety and efficient traffic flow throughout the repair period.

News

JUST IN: Tinted Permit Enforcement Placed On Hold Due To Court Order – Police

Published

2 hours ago

October 8, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force said on Wednesday that the enforcement of the vehicle tinted glass permit has been suspended following a court order halting the exercise.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this during an interview on Africa Independent Television, AIT.

She said the decision to halt the enforcement came after the police officially received the court order.

Adeh said, “Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict”.

Disclosing that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process, Adeh said, “We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict”.

Speaking on public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh explained that it was introduced for security reasons, noting that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

“The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,” she said.

She dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, noting that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

19 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA