The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a new licensing model aimed at promoting innovation and creating opportunities for startups and tech-driven small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the telecommunications sector.
This was announced by the NCC's Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a stakeholders' forum on the Draft General Authorisation Framework held in Abuja. Represented by Executive Commissioner Rimini Makama, Maida explained that the new framework will offer a more dynamic and inclusive licensing approach that accommodates emerging services currently unaddressed by existing regulations.
Key components of the framework include:
- Proof-of-Concept pilots for testing new technologies in real-life scenarios.
- A Regulatory Sandbox to allow controlled trials of innovations such as Open RAN and spectrum sharing.
- Interim Service Authorisation for services that don't fit existing license categories.
These tools are designed to give startups and innovators a safe space to test ideas, assess risks, and validate solutions before full-scale deployment—while ensuring consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
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Maida stressed the importance of collaboration from across the industry, including telecom operators, infrastructure firms, academic institutions, and civil society, to ensure the framework's success. He noted that the future of Nigeria's digital economy hinges on a vibrant and inclusive communications sector that fuels innovation and drives national growth.
Supporting this, NCC's Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Usman Mamman, highlighted that the draft framework was informed by global best practices, such as regulatory sandbox models in the UK and Singapore. It aligns with national strategies like the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the National Broadband Plan.
The initiative responds to increasing applications for new types of services not covered under current licensing rules, prompting the need for a more adaptable regulatory system. Mamman assured that necessary safeguards around data privacy, cybersecurity, and customer protection are built into the framework.
The NCC is now seeking feedback from industry stakeholders to fine-tune the proposal, ensuring it effectively supports Nigeria's digital transformation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
