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, 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.

“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,” he noted.

Maida concluded by expressing hope that the engagement would strengthen investor confidence, deepen the innovation value chain, and pave the way for sustainable growth across the communications ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, 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.

He said, “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 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 2003.”

Mamman explained that the Commission identified a growing number of novel service requests that could not be accommodated under existing categories, prompting the need for a more agile licensing structure.

He noted that the proposed framework incorporates safeguards such as data protection, cybersecurity measures, and customer information policies, all designed to ensure the responsible deployment of new technologies.

He noted that stakeholder feedback will be critical in refining the document. The session drew participants from across the telecom industry, regulatory bodies, and the tech ecosystem, all of whom were encouraged to submit recommendations that could help align the framework with national development goals.