By our Correspondent
The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced a new licensing framework designed to foster 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 in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barrister Rimini Makama, at a stakeholders’ forum on the Draft General Authorisation Framework held on Thursday in Abuja.
Maida 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.
“We are now at a turning point where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling,” Maida said.
According to him, 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.
Maida explained that 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.
“This model encourages experimentation and responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer rights and public interest,” he said.
While calling for support from all industry players, the NCC boss emphasised that stakeholder collaboration will be critical to the framework’s success.
He urged mobile network operators, service providers, infrastructure companies, OEMs, academia, and civil society to contribute their insights toward refining the regulatory model.
