NCC-Boss, Dr. Aminu Maida

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, has made a strong case for the evolution of greater digital inclusion, wider broadband access and deeper connectivity as the country celebrates 25 years of the introduction of Global System for Mobile Communications GSM, services.

Speaking at the 12th eWorld Forum and book launch held in Lagos to mark the 25th anniversary of GSM in Nigeria, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, noted that the introduction of GSM 25 years ago has fundamentally changed communication in Nigeria and served as a catalyst for transformation across various sectors of the economy.

The Forum, with the theme: “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On”, also featured the launch of books documenting the country’s telecommunications journey and the contributions of individuals and organisations to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The event brought together stakeholders to reflect on the transformation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and examine its future direction.

Dr. Maida, who was represented by Mojisola Saraki, noted that telecommunications had evolved from a relatively limited service into a critical foundation for banking, education, commerce, entertainment, entrepreneurship and other aspects of the digital economy.

“Telecommunications access was highly limited 25 years ago, with telephone lines scarce and communication beyond immediate locations often difficult and expensive. The introduction and expansion of GSM changed the landscape, transforming mobile phones from symbols of privilege into everyday tools used by millions of Nigerians.

“The expansion of network coverage and increased access to mobile devices has connected communities, businesses and families on an unprecedented scale. the impact of GSM had gone beyond voice calls, with SMS, mobile internet and smartphones opening access to information and a growing range of digital services”, the NCC boss said.

According to him, the emergence of smartphones has transformed mobile devices into platforms for banking, commerce, education, entertainment, social interaction and entrepreneurship, adding that businesses now relied on mobile connectivity to reach customers and manage operations, while fintech companies had developed innovative services around digital connectivity.

He also observed that young entrepreneurs are increasingly using mobile platforms to create and market businesses, while millions of Nigerians depended on digital services for work, education and everyday transactions.

He said: “The GSM revolution had also produced a wider ecosystem comprising infrastructure providers, technology companies, fintech firms, software developers, digital platforms and entrepreneurs.

“The 25th anniversary should therefore provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the sector’s achievements while addressing the challenges that would shape its next phase. At this point, sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure, wider broadband access, improved quality of service, affordability, cybersecurity and digital inclusion should be key priorities.

“Similarly, emerging technologies, including 5G, Artificial Intelligence AI, cloud computing and the Internet of Things IoT, are also areas that are creating new opportunities for Nigeria’s digital economy.

“The question for the industry is no longer simply how to connect Nigerians. It is increasingly about what Nigerians can do with that connectivity.”

He stressed that digital access must translate into opportunities for education, employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and broader economic participation.

Maida said the progress recorded by Nigeria’s telecommunications industry over the past 25 years demonstrated the importance of connectivity to national development.

He urged stakeholders to use the next 25 years to deepen connectivity, expand digital inclusion and harness emerging technologies to create greater opportunities for citizens and businesses.

Tne NCC-boss noted that the GSM revolution was not merely about changing how Nigerians communicated, but about establishing connectivity as one of the foundations of modern Nigeria.

A highpoint of the event was the official launch of Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, authored by veteran ICT journalist Aaron Ukodie.

The book chronicles the evolution of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry and documents the contributions of pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions and other stakeholders to the sector’s development.