In line with its efforts to advance regulatory oversight and ultimately strengthen the telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, has rolled out a fresh set of corporate governance rules, which specifically guide activities of operators in the country’s telecoms sector.

Major features of the new rules include enhanced Board Composition emphasis on sector with specific expertise for better decision-making; increased transparency, which focuses on mandatory certified mid-year and annual compliance reports and robust risk management, which lays emphasis on strengthened internal controls and enterprise risk frameworks.

Others include sustainability Focus, which has to do with mandatory Environmental, Social, and Governance ESG, and Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, disclosures, with attention to energy efficiency.

Speaking at the official roll out ceremony of the new rules in Lagos, Wednesday, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, noted that the 2025 guidelines go beyond mere compliance—they serve as a strategic blueprint for long-term growth, investment protection, and digital trust in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding telecom market.

The NCC-boss disclosed that organisations with strong governance practices have demonstrated superior financial performance, regulatory adherence, and service quality.

He said: “urge I all telecom operators to see the guidelines as a toolkit for sustainable value creation rather than a regulatory hurdle that would encourage investment in leadership training, risk mitigation, and governance-aligned executive incentives.

“The guidelines, developed after extensive industry consultations in 2023 and 2024, build on over a decade of regulatory refinement—starting with the first voluntary code in 2014. They will be rolled out in phases, initially targeting priority license holders.

At the NCC, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting operators through engagement, enablement, and enforcement. The launch comes at a pivotal moment as the sector grapples with cybersecurity risks, rising consumer demands, and the push for broader broadband access.

“With over 200 million active subscriptions, Nigeria’s telecom industry remains a key driver of economic growth. The new framework remains a decisive step toward a resilient, ethical, and innovative telecoms sector in the country.”