To expand opportunities and boost innovations for startups and technology-driven enterprises in the telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday unveiled new licensing framework.
This was announced by the NCC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, in Abuja.
The Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barrister Rimini Makama, represented Dr. Maida at a stakeholders’ forum on the Draft General Authorisation Framework.
The General Authorisation Framework, Dr. Maida said, was designed to offer a more flexible and responsive approach to telecom licensing, which will recognise and accommodate emerging services not currently captured under the existing regime.
The NCC Boss said "This progress has been driven by the rapid uptake of mobile technologies, surging data consumption, and an increasing appetite for digital services.
"But we are now at a turning point, where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling.
"As a catalyst for national development, Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has become a symbol of innovation and progress. It has revolutionized communication, improved access to information, and reshaped business operations."
According to him, Nigeria is at a significant juncture where disruptive innovations are accelerating the evolution of the communications ecosystem, adding "Broadband Penetration continues to grow, while digital literacy is on the rise. These are creating a solid foundation for a vibrant digital economy driven by accessibility, innovation, and inclusivity"
Noting that technological innovation is accelerating across the world and nation, particularly within the telecommunications sector, Dr Maida said very day, the sector is learning how innovators are pushing boundaries with daring ideas, venturing into new frontiers of innovation, and expanding the possibilities of our sector.
He said that the framework introduces three key instruments including Proof-of-Concept pilots to validate novel ideas in real-world environments, A Regulatory Sandbox, which allows innovators to test solutions—such as Open
RAN trials, or dynamic spectrum sharing—under controlled and risk-managed conditions, and An Interim Service Authorisation for services that do not yet fit within existing license categories.
By adopting the approach, Dr Maida said "we are providing a platform for innovators of various sizes—whether they are startups or established companies—to demonstrate feasibility, assess risk, and measure outcomes before deployment.
"This model encourages experimentation and responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer rights and public interest."
He however noted that regulation alone is not enough, stress "You—our stakeholders—are central to the success of this framework. Mobile Network Operators, Service Providers, Infrastructure Companies, OEMs, startups, civil society, and academia all have a role to play."
On his part, the NCC Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Usman Mamman, noted that the draft framework was developed through cross-departmental collaboration, internal reviews of recent service applications, and international benchmarking.
“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.” he stated
According to him, 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.