Theme of the workshop was “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria” which Maida said “reflects the Commission’s belief that collaboration is not optional, but essential.”

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is seeking a review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) among other reforms to sustain the momentum of growth a well as achieve digital inclusivity and seamless inter-agency collaboration.

Dr. Aminu Maida Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC disclosed this at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Annual Workshop for Attorneys-General held in Lagos, Wednesday.

Maida said the event was a significant milestone in NCC’s efforts to foster collaboration between the legal community and the regulatory ecosystem driving Nigeria’s digital future.

The theme of the workshop was “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria” which Maida said “reflects the Commission’s belief that collaboration is not optional, but essential.”

The EVC said no sector, especially one as dynamic and impactful as communications, can be effectively regulated in isolation. “The communications sector remains a vital enabler of innovation, commerce, governance, and inclusion. However, to fully unlock its potential, we must tackle a range of challenges that cut across legal, regulatory, fiscal, and operational domains,” he told the senior lawyers.

Below is his speech:

It is my honour to welcome you all to the maiden edition of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Annual Workshop for Attorneys-General. This event is a significant milestone in our efforts to foster collaboration between the legal community and the regulatory ecosystem driving Nigeria’s digital future. Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. Your presence today sends a strong message about the importance the Federal Government places on institutional synergy and policy cohesion. We deeply appreciate your leadership and commitment. The theme of this workshop—”Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria”—reflects the Commission’s belief that collaboration is not optional, but essential. No sector, especially one as dynamic and impactful as communications, can be effectively regulated in isolation. The communications sector remains a vital enabler of innovation, commerce, governance, and inclusion. However, to fully unlock its potential, we must tackle a range of challenges that cut across legal, regulatory, fiscal, and operational domains.

This is where your role, as Attorneys-General, becomes critical. You are not only the Chief Law Officers of your states; you are also policy influencers and key partners in shaping the legal frameworks that support national development. Your insights and guidance help ensure that innovation happens within a structure that promotes fairness, accountability, and long-term stability. Since the early 2000s, communications regulation has evolved through distinct phases—from liberalising markets and establishing independent regulators, to expanding broadband infrastructure and fostering universal access. In the 2010s, attention shifted to protecting consumers, enabling digital financial services, and addressing cross-sectoral challenges. Today, regulators are focused on advanced frontiers such as AI governance, digital resilience, and sustainable connectivity. Throughout this journey, one constant remains: collaborative, forward-looking regulation is essential to sustaining innovation and inclusive digital growth. This workshop has been designed to address some of the most pressing issues in the sector today, including: A review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003): We will reflect on its strengths, limitations, and areas for reform to ensure it remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving digital age. Streamlining taxation in the communications sector: The issue of multiple and inconsistent taxes continues to deter investment. We must work together to harmonize tax regimes and remove disincentives to growth. Addressing regulatory overlaps: Fragmented oversight creates confusion and inefficiencies. Our goal is to explore reforms that enhance coordination and legal clarity across agencies.

Protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII): Following the 2024 Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the designation of communications infrastructure as CNII gives us a new framework for collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders. We must now operationalize it effectively. As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation, underpinned by technologies such as AI, IoT, and high-speed connectivity, the challenges will grow more complex. But so too will the opportunities. To succeed, we must adopt a Whole-of-Government approach that leverages the strengths of all institutions—federal and state. At the NCC, we are committed to working with you to align regulatory actions with broader national goals. We believe the Attorneys-General have a strategic role to play—not just in interpreting the law, but in shaping an enabling legal environment where technology and governance work in tandem. This workshop is just the beginning. We hope it will become an annual platform for knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and joint problem-solving. I am confident that the conversations we start here will lead to stronger partnerships and better outcomes for the Nigerian people. Once again, thank you for honouring our invitation. I look forward to the insights, recommendations, and solutions that will emerge from our engagements over the next two days. Thank you, and I wish us all fruitful deliberations.

Dr. Aminu Maida Executive Vice Chairman/CEO

Nigerian Communications Commission

 Being excerpts from the opening remarks by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the 1st annual workshop for Attorneys-General on emerging Issues in the Communications Sector

July 30, 2025, Lagos