Naija247news gathered that mounting pressure is being exerted on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reconstitute the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as stakeholders warn that the continued absence of a functional board is undermining the nation’s telecommunications sector. The NCC, a critical regulatory body overseeing one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic sectors, has been operating without a board for several months, raising concerns about delays in policy implementation and regulatory oversight.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the NCC board, which is responsible for strategic decision-making and policy direction, has been left in limbo since the tenure of the previous board expired. Sources within the presidency reveal that the delay in appointing new board members is due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and political considerations. However, industry experts argue that the prolonged vacuum is creating uncertainty for investors and telecom operators, potentially stifling growth in a sector that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.
Naija247news understands that key stakeholders, including the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), have expressed concerns over the situation. They argue that the absence of a board is delaying critical decisions on issues such as spectrum allocation, broadband expansion, and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
“The NCC board is too important to be ignored,” a senior industry insider told Naija247news on condition of anonymity. “Without a board, the commission’s ability to make timely and impactful decisions is severely hampered, and this could have far-reaching consequences for the sector.”
Naija247news reports that the delay has also sparked debates within political circles, with some lawmakers calling for immediate action to avoid further setbacks. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, recently urged the president to prioritize the reconstitution of the board, describing it as “a matter of national importance.”
Meanwhile, the presidency has remained tight-lipped on the issue, fueling speculation about potential delays. However, Naija247news learned that a list of nominees is being finalized and could be submitted for Senate approval in the coming weeks.
As the telecom sector continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic growth, the urgency to address the NCC board’s vacancy cannot be overstated. Stakeholders are hopeful that the president will act swiftly to restore full functionality to the commission, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital economy.
