The Federal Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has concluded the 1st Annual Workshop for Attorneys-General on Emerging Issues in the Communications Sector, with a clarion call for enhanced institutional synergy and legal reform to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
The high-level two-day workshop, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, brought together State Attorneys-General, legal experts, and communications sector stakeholders to deliberate on the theme: “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria.”
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, emphasised that Nigeria’s communications sector remains one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving industries, with over 220 million active voice subscriptions and broadband penetration exceeding 52 per cent as of Q1 2025.
“Digital transformation is critical to the socio-economic development of our nation. However, this transformation must be anchored on a solid legal and regulatory framework that guarantees rights protection, consumer confidence, and ease of doing business,” Fagbemi stated.
He decried recurring challenges plaguing the sector, such as multiple taxation, destruction of infrastructure, regulatory overlaps, and inconsistent state policies. Citing specific incidents – including the 2024 multiple taxation crisis in Ogun State and the 2023 vandalism of base stations in Kano – he described these as “economic sabotage” that undermines the nation’s digital future.
Fagbemi called for collaborative efforts across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, urging State Attorneys-General to take proactive roles in law enforcement, infrastructure protection, and digital rights advocacy. He also recommended the creation of a Federal-State regulatory coordination forum, a uniform Right-of-Way (RoW) policy, and joint enforcement of digital infrastructure laws.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, in his opening remarks, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering cross-sectoral collaboration as the foundation for sustainable innovation and digital growth.
According to him, “The communications sector cannot be effectively regulated in isolation. This workshop is a strategic move to engage the legal ecosystem, especially the Attorneys-General, in shaping a regulatory future that is responsive, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
He highlighted key issues on the agenda, including:
- The review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) to align with emerging digital realities.
- Streamlining taxes in the communications sector to eliminate disincentives to investment.
- Tackling regulatory overlaps and improving legal clarity.
- Protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in line with the 2024 Executive Order.
Dr. Maida also stressed the need for a “Whole-of-Government approach” to accelerate national development and maintain Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s digital economy.
The workshop concluded with a consensus on the need to institutionalise the platform as an annual knowledge exchange and policy dialogue forum to strengthen the regulatory and legal backbone of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
