The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a comprehensive 24-page Corporate Governance Guidelines document for the telecommunications industry, marking 13 years since its inception. The guidelines, segmented into 12 parts, aim to enhance business sustainability across networks, investments, innovation, customer trust, and national development.
Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, emphasized that the document is not merely regulatory but designed to foster sustainable telecom operations. The process began in 2010, with the first voluntary Code of Corporate Governance issued in 2014. Recognizing the need for stronger enforcement, NCC moved to a mandatory framework in 2016 aligned with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the Nigerian Communications Act.
Following extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultations in 2023 and 2024, the finalized guidelines blend global best practices with Nigeria’s unique operating environment. Maida noted Nigeria’s telecom growth from fewer than 500,000 lines at liberalization to over 170 million subscriptions today, underscoring the sector’s critical role in commerce, finance, education, and security.
NCC Secretary Gwa Mohammed highlighted the commission’s broader role in balancing industry viability and public interest. Titus Osawe, representing the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), called for effective implementation to ensure success.
