NCC Identifies AI and IoT As Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as critical technologies for improving business efficiency, accelerating innovation and supporting Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion digital economy.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made this known at the 17th edition of Nigeria Communications Week and Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Award, themed: “Impact of AI and IoT on Business Operational Efficiency, held in Lagos.
Dr. Maida, represented by Toluwalase Modele Rufai, Acting Controller of the NCC Lagos Office, said AI and IoT had evolved from emerging technologies into powerful tools driving productivity, reducing operational costs and creating competitive advantages across multiple sectors.
Speaking on the theme, “Impact of AI and IoT on Business Operational Efficiency,” he described the technologies as indispensable to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
“This year’s theme is not only timely but profoundly important. As Nigeria accelerates its journey toward a $1 trillion digital economy, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things have moved from futuristic concepts to present-day drivers of productivity, cost optimisation and competitive advantage across every sector,” he said.
He highlighted that AI-powered predictive analytics is helping manufacturers anticipate equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs, while IoT-enabled sensors are improving agricultural productivity through real-time monitoring of soil conditions.
He stressed that connected technologies are transforming logistics and supply chain management by improving visibility, reducing delays, lowering operational costs and enhancing customer satisfaction.
“Across banking, healthcare, smart cities, manufacturing and governance, these technologies are streamlining operations, automating routine tasks and unlocking data-driven decision-making that was unimaginable just a decade ago,” he said.
Maida affirmed that the successful deployment of AI and IoT depends largely on the availability of resilient and high-capacity telecommunications infrastructure.
“At the heart of every AI and IoT deployment lies one critical enabler: resilient, high-capacity connectivity. Without secure, scalable broadband networks, the full promise of real-time data exchange, seamless device interoperability and intelligent automation remains unfulfilled,” he said.
The EVC NCC said the commission was reviewing the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020–2025 to improve efficiency and sustainability within the telecommunications sector.
He disclosed that the commission was also engaging state governments to reduce Right-of-Way charges and administrative bottlenecks in order to accelerate fibre-optic infrastructure deployment nationwide.
He stated further that the NCC has made harmonised spectrum resources available to support mobile broadband, fixed wireless access and IoT services, while the 2026–2030 Spectrum Roadmap is expected to create additional opportunities for broadband expansion and emerging technologies.
“With broadband penetration exceeding 52 per cent and growing 4G and 5G adoption, these efforts enhance efficient spectrum management, drive innovation, provide regulatory certainty and position Nigeria in line with global best practices,” he said.
Maida also highlighted the commission recently introduced General Authorisation Framework, which provides a regulatory sandbox for innovators to test AI, IoT, blockchain and other emerging technologies in a controlled environment.
He stated that the NCC had strengthened cybersecurity and consumer protection through initiatives such as the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), adoption of a Zero-Trust cybersecurity framework and implementation of guidelines for secure AI and IoT deployment.
The NCC boss emphasised the need for collaboration among government agencies, regulators, operators, technology providers, academia and investors to address challenges such as inadequate power supply, skills shortages, data privacy concerns and consumer protection issues.
“The NCC remains fully committed to creating an enabling, predictable regulatory environment that attracts investment, spurs innovation and delivers inclusive growth,” he said.
Maida called on stakeholders to work collectively towards building a digitally empowered nation where AI and IoT technologies not only improve business efficiency but also transform lives, strengthen the economy and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital future.
The event assembled regulators, industry leaders, innovators and other stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, policy directions and technological innovations shaping Nigeria’s digital economy.