The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has welcomed the unveiling of a new licensing framework by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), describing it as a bold regulatory shift that could pave the way for inclusive connectivity across underserved communities in Nigeria.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has welcomed the unveiling of a new licensing framework by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), describing it as a bold regulatory shift that could pave the way for inclusive connectivity across underserved communities in Nigeria.
The framework, which was announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during a stakeholders’ forum on the Draft General Authorization Framework in Abuja, was presented on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Wadia, by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barr. Rimini Makama.
According to Dr. Wadia, the new framework is aimed at “fostering innovation and expanding opportunities for startups and other technology-driven enterprises.” It comprises three major components: Proof of Concept Pilots to test novel solutions under real-world conditions; a Regulatory Sandbox to enable controlled testing of innovative ideas; and an Interim Service Authorization for services not currently covered under existing licensing categories.
CITAD noted that the Interim Service Authorization could potentially accommodate the licensing of community networks, which are vital for addressing connectivity gaps in areas lacking telecommunications access.
“Presently there are over 90 clusters of communities that are officially designated as unserved and underserved, with a combined population of over 27 million people in Nigeria. This huge population needs to be brought to the digital landscape as Nigeria hopes to use digital technology for social and economic transformation,” the organisation said in a statement issued on Friday.
Y. Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, recalled that for the past five years, the organisation had been actively advocating for the establishment of a dedicated license class for community networks, especially for rural populations where market-based solutions have failed due to low profitability and difficult terrain.
“In November last year, along with several stakeholders including representatives from the NCC and USPF, CITAD hosted an international conversation organised by the Association for Progressive Communication (APC) and supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO),” Ya’u said.
It was at that event that the National Advisory Committee on Community Networks was inaugurated—a step that later led to the adoption of the National Strategy for Community Networks in Nigeria.
Since then, CITAD and APC have worked closely with the NCC, leading to the formation of a joint committee to explore the creation of a licensing framework for Community-Centred Connectivity Initiatives (CCCI), which include community networks.
As part of this collaboration, a private two-day workshop on a Policy Framework for Enabling Community Networks in Nigeria was held in June with the support of FCDO, bringing together stakeholders to align policy direction.
“The deliberation at the workshop reached a conclusion on how to integrate community networks licensing in the country’s general telecommunication licensing framework,” the statement added. “The statement coming from the NCC EVC is the first indication of efforts to mainstream community networks.”
However, CITAD expressed concern that the framework does not make explicit mention of community networks or CCCIs and appears to exclude non-profits, which have been instrumental in driving such initiatives globally and in Nigeria.
“We in CITAD welcome this development and wish to commend the NCC EVC and indeed the Management and Board of the NCC for this bold step in recognizing the necessity for regulatory framework change,” Ya’u stated.