Consultation on the Review of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000
Regulatory Body
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under the direction of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has issued this consultation paper to initiate the review and modernization of the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) 2000.
Overview of Proposed Changes
The consultation outlines fifteen (15) policy proposals designed to replace the outdated NTP 2000 with a new "National Telecommunications Policy 2026." The proposals aim to address the transition from voice-centric services to a data-centric digital economy, focusing on the following areas:
Industry Structure and Competition: Redefining the roles of the Ministry, the NCC, and service providers to reflect a more complex, cross-cutting ecosystem.
Satellite Communications: Establishing a framework for satellite harmonization, including service provisioning for both upper and lower streams.
Local Content and Manufacturing: Shifting focus toward domestic hardware and software development, emphasizing indigenous participation and local manufacturing.
Economic Regulation: Updating policies regarding interconnection, access to infrastructure, and tariff regulations to reflect a matured market.
Emerging Infrastructure: Developing new policy chapters for Broadband objectives and the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
Potential Impact on Manufacturers
Manufacturers of radio and telecommunications equipment may be impacted by several proposed shifts in the regulatory landscape:
Incentives for Local Production: The policy proposes fiscal incentives, including attractive taxes and import duties, to encourage the local manufacture of telecommunications equipment and software.
Simplified Procedures: There is a proposal to simplify procedures and requirements for the importation of telecommunications equipment to stimulate private investment.
Local Content Requirements: Manufacturers may face new requirements regarding "Local Content Development" and "Indigenous Participation" to align with national economic growth objectives.
Research and Development (R&D): New research incentives and outcome management strategies are proposed to align domestic production with global technological trends.
Technical Parameters, Radio Bands, and Standards
The proposed review intends to modernize the technical and spectrum management frameworks in Nigeria:
Spectrum Harmonization: Proposal 7 focuses on a policy mapping for spectrum management between different segments, specifically addressing the cohabitation between terrestrial and non-terrestrial services.
Broadband and Infrastructure: The introduction of a "One-Stop" permitting process and harmonized Right of Ways (RoWs) aims to streamline the deployment of radio-based broadband infrastructure.
Standards Evolution: The policy implementation matrix will be designed to take cognizance of rapid changes in global standards and technologies, potentially leading to more frequent updates of technical specifications for device certification.
Online Safety and Protocols: New directions for Internet Exchange protocols and online platform safety may introduce new technical requirements for devices interacting with Nigerian digital services.
Deadline for Feedback
Stakeholders, including manufacturers and type approval service companies, are invited to submit their comments and recommendations using the provided response template. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 20, 2026. Submissions should be sent via email to stakeholders@ncc.gov.ng.
