NCC Lauches Draft General Authorisation Framework to Foster Innovation in Telecom Sector
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a significant step towards promoting innovation and flexibility in the telecom sector by unveiling the draft General Authorisation Framework (GAF). The framework aims to provide a more adaptive and forward-looking approach to licensing, enabling the testing and deployment of new technologies and services.
Speaking, the Director of the Licensing and Authorization Department at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mohammed Babajika saud the drafting of the General Authorisation Framework was the outcome of extensive research, cross-departmental collaboration, and critical evaluation of both global best practices and local industry dynamics.
“The Commission carried out an internal review of recent service applications, inquiries, and pilot proposals that are not covered in the scope of current licence categories. This showed a growing need for a flexible and well-structured pathway to test new and emerging ideas.
“A Benchmark Study was carried out to learn how other Countries support innovation, including the UK’s Ofcom Sandbox model and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) testbeds. These examples helped us understand how to promote innovation in a way that still meets regulatory goals.
The proposed framework aligns with national digital economy policies, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the National Broadband Plan, and the wider goals of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003. We also built in key protections to ensure the framework is safe and responsible. These include data protection rules, cybersecurity measures, customer information policies, and checks to prevent market abuse and protect consumers”, he explained.
He further said that the General Authorisation Framework introduces three core pathways:
Proof of Concept (PoC) – To allow entities to demonstrate the viability of novel technologies or services.
Regulatory Sandbox – To enable testing under the Commission’s supervision within a controlled environment.
Interim Service Authorisation (ISA) – a temporary authorisation to operate pending the creation of a full licence category.
“These mechanisms are time-bound, transparent, and designed to collect useful data for future regulation while ensuring minimal disruption to existing market structures. Importantly, this framework allows the Commission to be proactive rather than reactive—to embrace innovation without losing regulatory grip”, he added.
Objectives of the document is to promote innovation and flexibility in the telecom sector, to ensure regulatory oversight, consumer protection, and market integrity and to provide a platform for stakeholders to test new and emerging ideas.
The NCC invites stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft framework, which will be used to refine and finalise the document. The Commission remains committed to transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness in its regulatory approach.
The General Authorisation Framework has the potential to position Nigeria as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom sector, while ensuring the protection of consumers and the integrity of the market.
