Maida’s Midas touch at the NCC – By Azuh Amatus
It’s very important to note that in the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology, the strength of a nation’s digital economy is often a reflection of its regulatory leadership.
For Nigeria, the appointment of Dr. Aminu Maida as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in October 2023, marked the beginning of a transformative era.
With a blend of technical expertise and a forward-thinking administrative philosophy, meticulous Maida has moved beyond traditional “command-and-control” regulation, steering the commission toward a collaborative, data-driven, and consumer-centric future.
Upon assuming office, Maida introduced a strategic blueprint anchored by three primary stakeholders: the consumer, the industry player, and the government.
His vision was very clear: to create an ecosystem where consumers enjoy a five-star experience, licensees operate in a predictable and fair environment and the government sees the telecommunications sector as the bedrock of national economic growth.
By aligning the NCC’s goals with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s “Strategic Blueprint,” Maida has ensured that the commission is not an isolated regulator but a catalyst for Nigeria’s broader digital transformation.
Interestingly, one of the most significant achievements of Maida’s tenure to date is the successful advocacy that led to the Presidential designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
For years, the industry suffered from incessant fiber cuts, theft, and vandalism. By securing this executive order, Maida has provided a legal and security shield for the nation’s digital backbone, ensuring higher network resilience and sending a strong signal to investors that Nigeria is committed to protecting its digital assets.
Furthermore, his leadership was instrumental in the final push for the NIN-SIM linkage policy. Despite the logistical complexities, Maida’s administration prioritized the integrity of the national database, recognizing that a secure digital identity is the prerequisite for a thriving and safe digital economy.
Again, Maida’s consumer-first approach, is perhaps best exemplified by his drive for transparency. Moving away from opaque regulatory metrics, the NCC under his watch has committed to releasing coverage maps and real-world performance data.
This initiative empowers Nigerians to make informed choices about which service providers offer the best quality in their specific locations, effectively using market competition to drive up service standards.
He has also simplified the regulatory experience for consumers by tackling the complexity of data tariffs. By mandating that operators provide clearer, more transparent billing, Maida is closing the trust gap between the public and the service providers, a move that is essential for long-term digital inclusion.
Above all, under the amiable Maida, the NCC has become a more agile and data-centric institution. He has consistently emphasized that “data is the new currency of regulation.”
By leveraging big data to monitor Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) in real-time, the Commission can now identify bottlenecks and enforce compliance with surgical precision.
His collaborative leadership style has also extended to state governments, where he has been a vocal advocate for the harmonization of Right of Way (RoW) charges.
By engaging with governors and regional stakeholders, he is systematically removing the bureaucratic hurdles that have historically slowed down broadband penetration in rural and underserved areas.
Meanwhile, as we look at the achievements of Dr. Aminu Maida, the unassuming CEO with the Midas touch, it is evident that his impact is measured not just in policies signed, but in the renewed confidence of the industry.
He has fostered an environment where innovation is encouraged, and where the People at the NCC, most especially, the staff, are empowered through capacity building and modern tools.
Through the recent launch of the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030, Maida is already looking toward the next horizon, preparing Nigeria for the full potential of 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
His impactful leadership is a testament to the fact that when technical brilliance meets strategic vision, the result is a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous nation.
Therefore, Dr. Aminu Maida is not just regulating the present; he is strategically and meticulously architecting Nigeria’s digital future with his dedicated and committed team at the NCC.
Azuh Amatus (NGE), is a multiple-award-winning journalist and the publisher of leading online newspaper, DAYLIGHT. He can be reached on: 08023380008.
