NCC launches new licensing framework to boost innovation, others in telecoms sector

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched new licensing framework designed to boost innovation and expand opportunities for startups and technology-driven enterprises within the telecommunications sector.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ forum on the Draft General Authorisation Framework in Abuja on Thursday.

Dr. Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barrister Rimini Makama, said the General Authorisation Framework was designed to offer a more flexible and responsive approach to telecom licensing, one that recognises and accommodates emerging services not currently captured under the existing regime.

“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,” Maida said.

He highlighted that the new framework introduces three key regulatory instruments, including Proof-of-Concept pilots to test novel solutions in real-world conditions; a Regulatory Sandbox to allow controlled testing of ideas like Open RAN and spectrum sharing; and an Interim Service Authorisation for services that fall outside current licensing categories.

According to the EVC, these tools will provide innovators—whether startups or large firms—a safe environment to demonstrate feasibility, assess risks, and validate ideas before going to market.

He explained that by adopting this approach, they 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, stressing that 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.

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.

He hinted that regulation alone is not enough, adding that stakeholders’ collaboration will be critical to the framework’s success.

“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,” Maida added.

Maida expressed his optimism that the engagement would strengthen investor confidence, deepen the innovation value chain, and pave the way for sustainable growth across the communications ecosystem.

On his part, the Director of Licensing and Authorisation at the NCC, Usman Mamman, said the draft framework was developed through cross-departmental collaboration, internal reviews of recent service applications, and international benchmarking.

Mamman said 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, he said carried out an internal review of recent service applications, inquiries, and pilot proposals that are not covered in the scope of current licence categories, noting that 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,” he said.

According to him, the General Authorisation Framework introduces three core pathways: Proof of Concept (PoC) – To allow entities to demonstrate the viability of novel technologies or services; Regulatory Sandbox – To enable testing under the Commission’s supervision within a controlled environment; and Interim Service Authorisation (ISA) – a temporary authorisation to operate pending the creation of a full licence category.

He affirmed that these mechanisms are time-bound, transparent, and designed to collect useful data for future regulation while ensuring minimal disruption to existing market structures, adding importantly that this framework allows the Commission to be proactive rather than reactive—to embrace innovation without losing regulatory grip.

“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,” Mamman emphasized.