Nigeria Moves to Update Telecom Law to Match AI, 5G, and Digital Economy Realities

Nigeria is finally taking concrete steps to bring its telecommunications laws up to speed with today’s tech-driven world. The Nigerian Communications Act, originally passed in 2003, played a huge role in growing our telecom sector into a $75 billion industry. But with the rise of AI, 5G, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, that law is now outdated. So, lawmakers, industry experts, and regulators are coming together to review it, and hopefully, prepare Nigeria for the next phase of digital evolution.

The conversation kicked off at a major colloquium in Lagos where key players, including telecom operators, tech leaders, and legal minds, gathered to look back at what the Act has achieved and identify where it now falls short. Since 2001, we’ve gone from just 300,000 mobile subscribers to 153 million by 2024, and internet penetration is now over 40%. The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, reminded everyone how the Act dismantled monopolies and gave the Commission power to foster growth in the sector.

But even with all the progress, real challenges remain—like poor infrastructure, high costs for laying cables (right-of-way charges), and growing cybersecurity threats. Themed “22 Years After,” the review process aims to address those gaps, especially around emerging tech. The goal is not just a tune-up, but potentially a full-blown amendment to the law. This could mean better consumer protections, clearer governance for AI and 5G, and new roles for telecom operators.

Peter Akpatason, Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, echoed the need for an update, saying the Act had served us well but now needs to reflect the reality of Nigeria’s modern digital economy. He highlighted how the law’s initial vision of universal service and open access helped fuel major innovations—from mobile banking to e-commerce. However, the pace of technological change means the law must evolve or risk becoming obsolete.

In the end, what stood out was the call for collaboration, among lawmakers, regulators like the NCC, and the industry itself. Everyone seems to agree: if Nigeria wants to stay competitive in the global digital space, we have to rethink our legal and regulatory frameworks. And with the digital economy already contributing about 14% to our GDP, this is more than just policy, it’s about shaping the future of how we live, work, and connect.

Source: Punch