NCC: Subscribers and Stakeholders Set Agenda for New CEO

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has always been a cornerstone in driving innovation and connectivity across the country. However, its challenges—ranging from poor network connectivity to inadequate rural broadband penetration—remain significant.

Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Dr. Aminu Maida as the new Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of NCC. This move has sparked optimism among stakeholders, subscribers, and industry watchers who believe his leadership might steer the telecommunications industry toward growth and improved service delivery.

This article explores the expectations, challenges, and potential strategies that can reshape Nigeria’s telecom sector under Dr. Maida’s leadership.

Overview of the NCC’s Role in Nigeria

The NCC is responsible for:

Regulating Telecommunication Services: Ensuring fair competition and setting performance standards.
Promoting Digital Inclusion: Improving network access in underserved areas.
Facilitating Innovation: Encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies.

Its performance directly impacts millions of Nigerians, from casual internet users to corporate entities, making it one of the most critical institutions in the country.

Challenges Facing the NCC and Telecom Industry

1. Poor Network Connectivity

Many Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, experience:

Unstable network signals.
Frequent call disruptions.
Limited access to broadband services.

2. Insufficient Internet Penetration

Nigeria’s internet penetration is improving but still lags behind global standards, with rural areas being the most affected.

3. Quality of Service vs. Quality of Experience

The NCC has traditionally focused on Quality of Service (QoS) metrics, but modern demands require a shift toward Quality of Experience (QoE), which prioritizes user satisfaction.

Vision for the New NCC CEO

Dr. Aminu Maida’s Leadership Potential

Dr. Maida’s credentials reflect a blend of innovation, strategy, and execution. His prior roles include:

Executive Director, Tech & Ops at NIBSS: Spearheaded a $30M digital transformation leveraging cloud technologies and Agile methodologies.
Chief Technology Officer at ARCA Payments: Successfully managed resources and secured $7M in fundraising.
Global Expertise: Held leadership positions at Cisco Systems UK, British Telecoms UK, and other international organizations.

Key Goals Under His Leadership

Increase broadband penetration to 70% by 2025.
Ensure reliable telecom services for 90% of Nigeria’s population.
Strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure to meet growing digital demands.

Stakeholder Expectations for the New CEO

1. Improved Rural Connectivity

Subscribers like Emmanuel Ezinma, a Lagos-based developer, emphasize the need for dependable internet in rural areas. Many Nigerians avoid relocating to their hometowns due to poor connectivity, which limits professional opportunities and communication.

2. Enhanced Broadband Infrastructure

The NCC plans to double the kilometers of fiber optic cables in Nigeria within three years. This initiative aims to deliver:

25 Mbps download speeds in urban areas.
10 Mbps download speeds in rural areas.

3. Boosting Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Lekan Armstrong, another subscriber, highlights how better connectivity could support job creation, enhance e-commerce, and facilitate the government’s digital economy goals.

Strategies for Achieving Success

1. Collaboration with Stakeholders

Working closely with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) is crucial to improving service delivery and achieving rural broadband expansion.

2. Leveraging Technology

Deploying 5G technology to enhance speed and reliability.
Utilizing AI-powered tools to monitor and improve service quality.

3. Regulatory Reforms

Enforcing stricter penalties for poor service delivery.
Incentivizing operators to invest in underserved areas.

The Shift from QoS to QoE

Under the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijjani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the NCC has shifted its focus from Quality of Service (QoS) to Quality of Experience (QoE).

This change aims to prioritize consumer satisfaction by ensuring:

Faster and more stable internet connections.
Better customer support from telecom operators.
Affordable data plans and call rates.

NCC’s Broadband Penetration Targets

Current State of Broadband in Nigeria

Metric	Current	Target (2025)
Broadband Penetration	45%	70%
Population Coverage	65%	90%
Fiber Optic Cable Kilometers	45,000 km	90,000 km

These targets are aligned with global standards, emphasizing affordability and accessibility.

Impact of Improved Telecom Services

1. Economic Growth

Reliable connectivity supports businesses, especially startups and SMEs, by enabling seamless operations and access to global markets.

2. Social Inclusion

Improved internet access bridges the digital divide, connecting rural communities with education, healthcare, and job opportunities.

3. Digital Transformation

A robust telecom infrastructure facilitates the adoption of e-governance, fintech, and other digital services.

Dr. Maida’s Roadmap to Success

1. Infrastructure Development

Expanding broadband infrastructure to meet growing demand and ensure consistent service delivery.

2. Consumer-Centric Approach

Focusing on QoE to address subscribers’ real-world challenges.

3. Transparent Leadership

Ensuring accountability in all regulatory activities to build trust among stakeholders.

Conclusion

The appointment of Dr. Aminu Maida as the new CEO of the NCC marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s telecom sector. With his vast experience, innovative mindset, and clear understanding of industry challenges, he is well-positioned to drive the NCC toward achieving its ambitious goals.

Subscribers and stakeholders alike have high expectations, and with collaborative efforts, Nigeria’s telecom industry can become a global leader in digital innovation and connectivity.

FAQs

1. What are the NCC’s main objectives under Dr. Maida?

To increase broadband penetration, enhance rural connectivity, and improve the quality of telecom services across Nigeria.

2. How will the shift from QoS to QoE benefit subscribers?

It prioritizes consumer satisfaction, focusing on reliable service delivery and better user experiences.

3. What are the broadband penetration targets for 2025?

The NCC aims to achieve 70% broadband penetration and 90% population coverage by 2025.

4. How can improved connectivity impact rural communities?

It provides access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, fostering social inclusion.

5. What role will stakeholders play in achieving these goals?

Stakeholders, including telecom operators and government agencies, will collaborate to expand infrastructure, improve services, and meet regulatory standards.