The federal government has called for stronger synergy among the three arms of government and other stakeholders to improve regulation in Nigeria’s communications sector as a pathway to driving digital transformation and socio-economic development.
Delivering a keynote address at the workshop for state attorneys-general in Abuja, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized the critical need for collaboration in formulating and enforcing legal frameworks that govern the fast-evolving communications landscape in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for Digital Transformation in Nigeria”, Fagbemi applauded the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, for organizing the workshop, which brought together Chief Law Officers of various states to exchange ideas and bridge knowledge gaps related to regulatory practices.
He noted that a well-regulated communications sector supports the protection of key rights, such as privacy, data protection, and consumer rights, while also enhancing the ease of doing business.
The justice system, he stressed, played a crucial role in upholding the rule of law, preventing abuse, and ensuring compliance with regulatory provisions.
“Nigeria’s communications sector remains one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving industries,” Fagbemi said, citing recent NCC data that indicates over 220 million active voice subscriptions and a broadband penetration rate exceeding 52% as of the first quarter of 2025.
“This connectivity is fundamental to areas such as remote learning and financial inclusion, especially in underserved communities,” he added.
However, the minister pointed out that digital transformation efforts were being undermined by several persistent challenges, including multiple taxation across federal, state, and local levels; vandalism of infrastructure; regulatory overlaps; and inconsistent policies, particularly regarding right-of-way permissions.
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He referenced specific cases such as the 2024 multiple taxation incident in Ogun State, which temporarily stalled expansion projects, and the 2023 vandalism of base stations in Kano State.
According to him, such incidents not only constitute economic sabotage but also impede the growth of the communications sector.
To address these issues, Fagbemi called for a multi-stakeholder approach involving the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
He urged lawmakers to review and reinforce legislation that protects telecom infrastructure, while encouraging the executive to implement these laws effectively.
He also stressed the judiciary’s role in ensuring that offenders were appropriately sanctioned.
Recognizing the vital role of state governments, the Attorney-General praised Anambra State’s proactive implementation of a unified right-of-way policy in 2023, which led to a 38% increase in fibre optic expansion within six months.
He urged other states to emulate such initiatives to support national digital goals.
Fagbemi proposed several strategic actions, including the harmonization of legal and policy frameworks, the creation of a federal-state regulatory coordination forum, unified right-of-way policy implementation, joint enforcement of infrastructure protection laws, and the consolidation of a digital taxation framework.
“As Chief Law Officers under the Constitution, Attorneys-General are strategically positioned to guide their respective governments in crafting sound policies for the digital economy, while also championing data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital rights,” he stated.
In closing, the minister encouraged all attorneys-general and stakeholders to work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Communications Commission and other relevant bodies to foster a robust communications sector that drives the digital transformation agenda of the nation.
“I thank the organisers of this workshop and commend the collective efforts of all participants. Let us work in synergy and in the best interest of our country,” he concluded.
