The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially introduced its General Authorisation Framework (GAF), aimed at fostering industry growth and empowering underserved communities across the country.
The launch took place during a stakeholder engagement session for the Nigerian Telecoms Industry, held on Thursday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Delivering remarks on behalf of NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, stated that Nigeria’s telecom sector has become a beacon of innovation and transformation. He noted that it has revolutionized how people communicate, improved access to information, and reshaped business practices over the past 24 years.
According to Maida, the industry is now at a pivotal moment where emerging technologies are rapidly transforming the communications landscape.
“This progress has been fueled by the fast adoption of mobile technologies, a surge in data usage, and growing demand for digital services,” he said. “However, we are now at a stage where innovation requires not just reactive regulation, but one that enables and supports growth.”
Maida emphasized that the rise in broadband penetration and digital literacy is laying the groundwork for a strong digital economy rooted in accessibility, innovation, and inclusion. In response, the NCC developed the General Authorisation Framework as a strategic tool to support this evolution.
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The GAF introduces three major instruments designed to give innovators whether startups or established enterprises a structured pathway to test ideas, manage risk, and evaluate outcomes before full deployment.
He stressed that the success of the framework relies on the active involvement of a broad range of stakeholders: mobile network operators, service providers, infrastructure companies, OEMs, startups, academia, and civil society.
“At the core of the General Authorisation Framework is our commitment to inclusive innovation expanding digital access, bridging connectivity gaps, and uplifting underserved communities,” Maida said.
He added that the framework promotes responsible experimentation and protects consumer rights while fostering progress.
Maida also expressed confidence that the stakeholder engagement would inspire collaboration, sharpen collective vision, and help accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a more connected and innovative digital economy. He encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate in shaping and refining the framework to best serve the country’s needs.
Speaking earlier, Usman Mamman, Director of NCC’s Licensing and Authorisation Department, said the GAF is the product of extensive research, interdepartmental collaboration, and a thorough analysis of both international best practices and local industry conditions.
He described the framework as a modern, flexible licensing model that balances the need for innovation with regulatory responsibility, consumer protection, and market stability.
Mamman noted that a recent internal review of service applications and pilot proposals revealed a growing demand for a more adaptable regulatory pathway. This led the NCC to study international examples such as the UK’s Ofcom Sandbox and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority testbeds.
“These findings underscored the need for a structured yet flexible approach to testing new and emerging ideas,” Mamman said.
He called on all stakeholders to support the framework’s success, describing it as a vital bridge connecting innovation with regulation, startups with established entities, and today’s limitations with tomorrow’s potential.
