The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has welcomed the new licensing framework of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), describing it as a major step towards bridging Nigeria’s connectivity gaps.
CITAD’s Executive Director, Mr Y.Z. Ya’u, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Kano while reacting to NCC’s newly announced framework, which aims to foster innovation and expand digital access.
He said the framework, unveiled by NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Wadia, through Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, during a Stakeholders Forum in Abuja, signals a shift in regulation.
Ya’u said the framework comprises Proof of Concept Pilots, a Regulatory Sandbox, and Interim Service Authorization to foster innovation and expand opportunities for startups and technology-driven enterprises.
He said Interim Service Authorization could allow licensing of community networks critical for connecting unserved and underserved communities.
“Over 90 clusters, with over 27 million people, are officially unserved or underserved. This population needs to be brought into the digital landscape as Nigeria hopes to use digital technology for social and economic transformation,” Ya’u said.
He noted that CITAD has long advocated for a community network license to enable communities to address their isolation, given that market solutions often fail due to sparse populations and difficult terrains.
Ya’u recalled that in Nov. 2024, CITAD, NCC, USPF, and others hosted an international conversation that led to the adoption of Nigeria’s National Strategy for Community Networks.
He said engagements continued, leading to a Joint Committee exploring community-centred connectivity licensing, and in June 2025, stakeholders reached conclusions on integrating such licensing into the general framework.
Ya’u urged NCC to clarify and recognise community networks’ peculiar needs to bridge connectivity gaps and promote digital literacy as a necessity for national development.