The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000, aiming to modernise the regulatory framework by reducing right-of-way (ROW) fees, streamlining taxes, and accelerating telecom infrastructure deployment nationwide.
The regulator has released a consultation document inviting feedback from operators, stakeholders, and the public, as part of efforts to align the policy with current realities in digital services, broadband expansion, satellite communications, and evolving connectivity models. High right-of-way charges, which significantly increased operator costs in 2024 and slowed infrastructure investment, have been identified as a key area for reform, with proposals focused on harmonised fees and faster permitting processes.
The overhaul follows regulatory reviews launched in November 2025 covering licensing, enforcement processes, and internet governance, reflecting the NCC’s broader strategy to reduce operational bottlenecks and support innovation in the telecommunications sector. The updated framework is also expected to introduce a dedicated broadband chapter, strengthen protections for critical communications infrastructure, and establish clearer guidelines for satellite services and coordination between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
NCC officials noted that the existing policy, introduced during Nigeria’s transition from a state-controlled telecom system to a liberalised market, no longer reflects the realities of today’s digital economy. The proposed reforms aim to lower deployment costs, improve service quality, encourage private investment, and reinforce the telecommunications sector’s role in national economic development.
