By Chinenye Anuforo To ensure inclusive growth and bolster cyber resilience within the telecommunications sector, stakeholders in Nigeria have commenced a critical reassessment of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. The dialogue began on Tuesday at an inaugural colloquium in Lagos, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, bringing together key players to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the industry. The Nigerian Communications Act 2003, a cornerstone of the nation’s telecommunications landscape for over two decades, is under scrutiny to determine its continued effectiveness in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting societal needs. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, opened the proceedings by underscoring the collaborative spirit between different branches of government that made the event possible. He emphasised the Act’s historical role in dismantling monopolistic barriers and paving the way for the sector’s liberalization and subsequent expansion. “The numbers speak for themselves,” Maida asserted, highlighting the exponential growth in mobile subscriptions from approximately 300,000 in 2001 to over 150 million today. He also pointed out the significant increase in internet penetration and the sector’s contribution of approximately 14 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP as of the third quarter of 2024. Dr. Maida credited the Act with enabling transformative innovations across various sectors, including mobile banking, e-commerce, and e-learning. However, he also stressed that progress is an ongoing process that requires continuous adaptation. He drew attention to the seismic shift occurring in the global telecommunications industry, driven by disruptive technologies such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, the Internet of Things, and blockchain. He acknowledged that these advancements present both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges forgot Nigeria. A primary challenge identified at the colloquium was the persistent digital divide that plagues the nation. While urban centers have benefited from robust connectivity, the NCC boss noted that “rural and underserved communities still grapple with limited access.” This disparity, participants emphasized, hinders overall national progress and limits the ability of a significant portion of the population to participate in the digital economy. Contributing factors to this divide include infrastructure deficits, such as inadequate power supply and the high costs associated with obtaining right-of-way approvals for infrastructure development. Peter Ohiozojeh Akpatason, Chairman of the House Representative Committee on Communications, collaborated this concern, stating that despite the progress made, “a significant digital divide remains with many Nigerians lacking access to digital services.” In addition to the digital divide, the issue of cybersecurity was given significant attention. Maida warned of the escalating threats, stating that “cyber security threats loom large as our reliance on digital platforms grows,” and highlighted the “significant uptick in cyber-attacks targeting critical sectors” in Nigeria. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, representing the Speaker, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, further emphasized this point. Isiaka cited the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), noting that fear of cyberattacks is a major reason for low internet penetration, particularly in low-income regions. He detailed the various forms of cybercrime prevalent in Nigeria, including online scams, phishing, and identity theft, referencing the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in combating these crimes. Isiaka also outlined the legislative measures taken to address cybersecurity concerns, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and the ongoing work on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill. The colloquium also addressed the economic pressures facing the telecommunications sector. The EVC pointed out that operators are contending with rising operational costs, exacerbated by inflation, currency volatility, and the substantial capital investments required for the deployment of next-generation technologies. He also acknowledged the affordability challenges faced by consumers, particularly those in low-income communities, who are demanding faster, cheaper, and more reliable services. In light of these multifaceted challenges, Maida asserted that the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 must be re-examined to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. He expressed the NCC’s commitment to collaborating with the National Assembly, industry stakeholders, and international partners to translate the insights gained from the colloquium into “actionable reforms.” He articulated a vision for a revised Act that not only addresses the current challenges but also anticipates future opportunities, positioning Nigeria as “a leader in the global digital economy.” Akpatason reiterated the importance of the discussions, urging participants to actively contribute their expertise and insights to inform the decision-making process. He expressed confidence that the collective efforts of the stakeholders would pave the way for a digital economy that is “inclusive, innovative, and prosperous for all Nigerians.” The two-day colloquium is structured to facilitate in-depth discussions on key areas, including the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks, the potential of emerging technologies, strategies for promoting digital inclusion, and measures to enhance cybersecurity and data protection. The anticipated outcome is a comprehensive set of recommendations that will guide the legislative process for amending the Nigerian Communications Act, ensuring it is equipped to meet the demands of Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.