By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
In a bold move to ensure that modern regulation is designed to enable innovation rather than hinder it, telecommunications sector umpire, the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), has introduced the General Authorisation Framework(GAF), the latest initiative in its regulatory licensing approach, saying it is an objective that lies at the core of the Commission’s reforms. This reform (GAF) according to the Commission, introduces a flexible and responsive regulatory licensing approach that is structured to embrace new and emerging services that fall outside the existing License Structure.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida stated this during the stakeholders forum on General Authorisation Framework for the Nigerian Telecoms Industry on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Dr. Maida’s speech reads in part: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this important Stakeholder engagement on the Draft General Authorisation Framework. Your participation today reinforces our united vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria.
The growth of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria has been phenomenal. In the last 24 years, following the liberalization of the sector, we have witnessed tremendous transformation leading to the achievement of over 79.65 per cent tele-density and a Broadband Penetration of 48.81 as at May 2025.
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.
“Today, we are at a significant juncture, where disruptive innovations are accelerating the evolution of the communications ecosystem. 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.
Technological innovation is accelerating across the world and nation, particularly within the telecommunications sector. Every day, we learn of how innovators are pushing boundaries with daring ideas, venturing into new frontiers of innovation, and expanding the possibilities of our sector. From 5G deployment and AI-driven smart networks, to blockchain applications and fintech advancements, these developments are driving profound change in the telecommunications ecosystem. They are reshaping critical sectors including communications, finance, education, and governance and unlocking vast potential for inclusive growth, enhanced service delivery, and sustainable national transformation. But we are now at a turning point, where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling.
“Modern regulation must be designed to enable innovation rather than hinder it. This is an objective that lies at the core of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) latest initiative: the General Authorisation Framework. This reform introduces a flexible and responsive regulatory licensing approach that is structured to embrace new and emerging services that fall outside the existing License Structure.
The framework introduces three key instruments:
1. Proof-of-Concept pilots to validate novel ideas in real-world environments.
2. A Regulatory Sandbox, which allows innovators to test solutions—such as Open
RAN trials, or dynamic spectrum sharing—under controlled and risk-managed conditions.
3. An Interim Service Authorisation for services that do not yet fit within existing license categories.
“By adopting this approach, 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.
However, regulation alone is not enough. 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. Your insights, your ideas, and your partnership are critical in refining this approach and making sure that it works for Nigeria.
As we look to the future, we must ensure that no one is left behind. That means expanding access, closing connectivity gaps, and empowering our youth, women, and underserved communities through inclusive innovation.
The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is no longer distant. It is unfolding right before us. And at the heart of this future is the communications sector—our shared infrastructure for innovation, inclusion, and economic advancement.
“To sustain momentum, we must be bold, collaborative, and committed to building a resilient and innovative ecosystem. Through the General Authorisation Framework, we are unlocking new pathways for experimentation, market entry, and growth.
Let us work together to deepen the innovation value chain, nurture homegrown solutions, build investor confidence, and ensure that the dividends of digital transformation reach every corner of our society.
It is my hope that today’s engagement will spark your curiosity, refine our collective vision, and accelerate our journey towards a more connected, innovative, and prosperous Nigeria.”
In his speech the Director, Licensing and Authorization Department at NCC, Usman Mamman stated that today’s session marked a pivotal step in our collective journey toward a more agile, inclusive, and innovation-driven communications sector in Nigeria.
Said he: “The rapid evolution of the global digital ecosystem has directly challenged the subsisting license framework with the Commission as we are constantly witnessing the emergence of new technologies, novel business models, and innovative services, many of which do not fit neatly into our traditional licensing structures.
Recognizing this shift, the Commission deemed it necessary to critically re-evaluate and retool our regulatory toolkit. One of the key outcomes of this review is the development of the draft General Authorisation Framework (GAF), a flexible, forward-looking approach to licensing that promotes innovation while ensuring regulatory oversight, consumer protection, and market integrity.
“The drafting of the General Authorisation Framework was the outcome of extensive research, cross-departmental collaboration, and critical evaluation of both global best practices and local industry dynamics.
The Commission carried out an internal review of recent service applications, inquiries, and pilot proposals that are not covered in the scope of current licence categories. This showed a growing need for a flexible and well-structured pathway to test new and emerging ideas.
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 (IMDA) 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 (NCA) 2003. We also built in key protections to ensure the framework is safe and responsible. These include data protection rules, cybersecurity measures, customer information policies, and checks to prevent market abuse and protect consumers….
“Your presence here today affirms your critical role as Partners in shaping the future of telecommunications in Nigeria. This draft framework is not final. It is a living document that benefits from your experience, feedback, and industry insights.
As we present the draft today, we invite your objective commentary—on clarity, Structure, implementation hurdles, or Opportunities for alignment with your respective business models.
Let us together ensure that this framework becomes a solid bridge between innovation and regulation, between start-up visionaries and established players, between present limitations and future possibilities.
Distinguished Stakeholders, the Commission remains committed to transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness. The General Authorisation Framework is a manifestation of our intent to create a licensing ecosystem that is adaptive, anticipatory, and attuned to the needs of both the industry and consumers.”
