CITAD Commends NCC’s New Telecommunication Licensing Framework

July 18, 2025 Mustapha Salisu

…Calls for Clarity on Community Networks

By Mustapha Salisu

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has welcomed the new telecommunication licensing framework introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), describing it as a positive step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.

CITAD’s Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, made this known in a statement on July 18, 2025.

The framework was unveiled at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on July 17 by the NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barr. Rimini Makama, on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Wadia.

He disclosed the NCC framework which aims at promoting innovation and expand opportunities for startups and other technology-driven enterprises, has three components, namely Proof of Concept Pilots to test novel solutions in real work conditions, a Regulatory Sandbox to allow for controlled testing of ideas and an Interim Service Authorization for services that fall outside of current licensing categories.

CITAD noted that the framework, particularly the Interim Service Authorization, could help enable community networks to address the digital exclusion faced by over 27 million people living in Nigeria’s unserved and underserved areas.

For the past five years, CITAD has led efforts advocating for licenses that empower marginalized communities to tackle their own connectivity challenges. These areas are often neglected due to economic factors and difficult terrains that discourage commercial telecom operators.

CITAD recalled its previous collaborations with NCC, USPF, and other stakeholders, including a 2024 international conference which led to Nigeria’s National Advisory Committee on Community Networks and the adoption of a National Strategy for Community Networks.

Since then, CITAD and APC have worked with NCC through a Joint Committee exploring licensing options for Community-Centred Connectivity Initiatives (CCCIs). This effort included a policy workshop in June 2025 aimed at integrating these networks into Nigeria’s telecom framework.

While CITAD sees the new framework as progress, it raised concerns about the lack of specific mention of community networks and the exclusion of non-profit organizations, who are key drivers of these initiatives globally.

CITAD urged NCC to clarify how the framework will support community networks in bridging connectivity gaps and promoting digital literacy. Y.Z. Ya’u stressed that universal internet access and digital skills are now fundamental for inclusive development.

CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the framework truly addresses the needs of Nigeria’s disconnected communities and advances digital inclusion.