*The Nigerian Communications Commission seeks ‘wholesale fibre market’ to provide transparent pricing, ensure network operators access needed digital infrastructure on fair terms towards accelerating economic growth in the West African country
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As the country moves to maximise the gains of digital economy for enhanced national development, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasised the need for ‘wholesale fibre market’ to unlock digital infrastructure and accelerate economic growth.
ConsumerConnect gathered Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, said this Thursday, July 17, 2026, at the BusinessDay 2026 CEO Forum, in Lagos.
From improved connectivity to digital infrastructure support for national productivity
Maida said Nigeria had reached a stage where attention should shift from expanding connectivity to ensuring digital infrastructure supports productive sectors of the economy.
Highlighting the strategic importance of sustainable deployment of digital infrastructure, the EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission asserted that digital technology should increasingly drive key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
These sectors, he stated, include healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries that improve national productivity.
Maida: Over 180m active telecoms connections in Nigeria
Recalling what used to be in telecommunications in the country, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission recalled that Nigeria liberalised its telecoms sector year 2000 with fewer than 500,000 telephone lines.
Maida, however, disclosed the country currently has over 180 million active telecom connections, creating opportunities to deepen digital inclusion and economic transformation.
According to him, the country already has extensive fibre infrastructure, contrary to the perception that connectivity was unavailable in many states.
He averred: “We actually do have connectivity, especially fibre, but what we do not have is a framework that enables fair and transparent access to that infrastructure.”
The EVC/CEO of NCC equally explained that the absence of a wholesale market has limited the access of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to existing fibre networks in Nigeria.
The NCC is currently developing a wholesale market framework that will provide transparent pricing, and ensure operators access digital infrastructure on fair terms, noted he.
Maida said such a framework will encourage more investment, improve Broadband penetration, and reduce the cost of Internet services.
He observed that although fibre existed across Nigeria, about 85 percent of ISPs operated mainly in Lagos, and other urban centres.
According to him, expanding access outside major cities will help to bridge regional inequalities in digital connectivity and affordability.
He said more data centres should also be established outside Lagos to strengthen digital resilience and improve access to cloud services nationwide.
The Chief Executive of the Commission further said: “We need to start taking this infrastructure and putting it into action.
“It is about using technology to improve productivity and grow the economy.”
Maida noted that digital infrastructure should serve both commercial and public interests by supporting healthcare, education, and other essential services.
He emphasised that market forces alone could not guarantee equitable outcomes without regulatory measures that promote fair competition.
“As regulators, we guide the market towards efficiency by creating conditions that encourage competition and improve access,” Maida stated.
The EVC/CEO of the Commission, therefore, reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to policies that would expand Broadband access, promote investment and ensure digital infrastructure benefits all Nigerian consumers.
Maida as well hinted at stronger competition to lower costs, improve service quality to consumers, and narrow affordability gaps across various parts of Nigeria.