Since his appointment as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has brought a wave of transformation to regulation of the telecommunications sector—one that i would describe as nothing short of a “magic touch.” Known for his professionalism, strategic mindset, and data-driven approach, Dr. Maida is steering the NCC into a new era of transparency, innovation, and people-centered regulation.
One of the early landmark moves of the Commission under his Leadership was the simplification of tariffs offered by operators. This guideline, issued to operators is aimed at ensuring that tariffs offered are clear and well-communicated. This move stems from recurring complaints by telecom consumers that their they do not understand their data plans, or are being cheated—meanwhile it is because they are not clear what they have been offered.
The Tariff Simplification Guidelines compels all mobile network operators to publish uniform disclosure tables that inform consumers of the prices of tariffs, and all relevant terms regarding their tariff plans. This makes telecom services more understandable and consumer-friendly. This not only protects consumers but also creates a more competitive and transparent marketplace.
During a recent conversation I had with an industry expert, he mentioned that one of the challenges the sector faces is the dwindling number of engineers. The NCC under Dr. Maida has also been deliberate about addressing this gap. The establishment, last year, of a state-of-the-art 4G/5G test lab in partnership with Nokia Networks has begun hands-on training of young Nigerian engineers on latest network technologies. The facility, located within the NCC Digital Industrial Park makes the learning process practical and brings participants from all six geopolitical zones of the country. This reflects a a strong commitment to digital inclusion and the telecommunications industry’s resilience, while building the next generation of digital innovators and engineers.
In response to the ongoing issue of infrastructure vandalism and service disruptions, Dr. Maida’s advocacy led to the signing of the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) which designates telecommunications infrastructure as critical assets that must be protected. The NCC is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to implement the order in the sector.
This year, the Commission also launched the Major Network Outage Incident Reporting Portal, compelling operators to disclose causes of outages and restoration timelines. This has brought a new level of accountability and consumer engagement that had been missing in previous years.
Furthermore, the NCC’s recent strategic partnership with international institutions like Swedfund to secure 5G infrastructure shows foresight and a global outlook—ensuring Nigeria’s digital transformation is not only fast but also secure and sustainable.
Beyond policies and partnerships, Dr. Maida has consistently demonstrated openness to stakeholder engagement, listening to industry players and citizens alike. His leadership style blends technical expertise with emotional intelligence, earning him respect across government, private sector, and civil society.
In a rapidly evolving digital economy, the NCC has found in Dr. Aminu Maida not just a regulator, but a visionary. His “magic touch” lies not in theatrics, but in his clarity of purpose, attention to detail, and deep-rooted commitment to national development. Under his guidance, the future of Nigeria’s communications sector looks promising, inclusive, and globally competitive.
Ogwu is Public Affairs Analyst and writes from Kogi State
