NCC Hosts ITU Top Officials: Nigeria Edges Closer to G5 Regulatory Status, Boosts Digital Inclusion Drive

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday played host to a high-powered delegation from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading force in Africa’s digital economy.

The Commission’s Management and staff welcomed Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), and Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh, ITU Regional Director for Africa, during a strategic visit aimed at deepening collaboration and accelerating key initiatives across the continent.

The high-level engagement focused on reviewing advancements in major regional projects, with special attention on ITU-backed efforts in Nigeria. Discussions spotlighted the ongoing Broadband Mapping Project — part of the broader Africa-BB-Maps initiative funded by the European Union — which seeks to create accurate, harmonized data on broadband infrastructure to close connectivity gaps and attract targeted investments.

Participants also examined past and current partnerships between the ITU and partners like the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), particularly in promoting digital inclusion and equitable access to broadband services nationwide.

A core highlight of the meeting was Nigeria’s regulatory journey. The country currently holds a G4 regulatory status under the ITU framework — reflecting strong performance in market liberalisation, competition safeguards, universal access policies, and investment-friendly environments. Crucially, the dialogue affirmed Nigeria’s strong preparedness to advance to G5 regulation, the ITU’s pinnacle benchmark.

G5 represents a transformative shift: it moves beyond conventional telecom/ICT regulation to embrace cross-sectoral coordination, agile governance, evidence-based policymaking, and full readiness for a thriving digital economy. According to ITU assessments and benchmarks, Nigeria ranks among Africa’s top performers, with scores indicating high maturity and leadership in transitioning toward this advanced stage.

The discussions further delved into future opportunities, including potential new projects, expanded partnerships, and targeted technical/institutional support from the ITU to strengthen broadband rollout, quality of service, and next-generation technology adoption in Nigeria.

This visit builds on Nigeria’s sustained alignment with global best practices and its proactive engagement with international partners to drive inclusive digital growth.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, the NCC has consistently prioritised strategic collaborations with the ITU — from the national launch of the Collaborative Regulation Report in 2024, which highlighted Nigeria’s high readiness for digital transformation (scoring notably in ITU rankings), to championing Africa’s first national broadband infrastructure mapping efforts under the Africa-BB-Maps program.

Industry observers view the latest high-level interaction as a clear signal of continued progress. Enhanced ITU support is expected to translate into faster broadband expansion, improved regulatory agility, greater investor confidence, and tangible gains for millions of Nigerians in the digital space.

Stakeholders anticipate concrete follow-ups that will further solidify Nigeria’s role as a frontrunner in the continent’s digital revolution.