Business a.m
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged lawmakers to provide unambiguous regulatory guidance in the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, emphasising that clarity and structured collaboration are essential to drive investor confidence and sustainable growth in the country’s digital sector.
Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON chairman, presented the association’s position during the Joint National Assembly Committee hearing on the Bill, commending legislators for their efforts to modernise Nigeria’s digital landscape and establish a legal framework for emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Representing all licensed telecom network and infrastructure operators in Nigeria, ALTON acknowledged the transformative potential of the Bill but highlighted concerns about overlapping mandates, institutional independence, and the need for coordinated regulatory action.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should retain its statutory oversight of telecommunications networks and infrastructure, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) should lead on digital policy and e-governance,” Adebayo said, while noting, “Ensuring that these agencies operate within clearly defined roles will prevent duplication, enhance efficiency, and foster investor trust.”
The association warned that regulatory ambiguity between NITDA and NCC could slow implementation, disrupt service delivery, and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy. ALTON recommended a deliberate separation of policy guidance and technical regulation, citing international best practices from the United Kingdom, India, and the European Union, where such structures have successfully balanced accountability with innovation.
The association also called for a review of Section 82 of the Bill, which grants ministerial directive powers, arguing that safeguarding regulatory independence is critical for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring transparent governance.
To further strengthen inter-agency collaboration, the association proposed the creation of a National Digital Cooperation and Interoperability Framework. The framework would formalise joint action among NITDA, NCC, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), providing a structured platform for coordination and policy alignment.
“Embedding structured collaboration within the Bill is essential to avoid policy fragmentation and improve coordination across government institutions,” Adebayo noted.
ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation while emphasising that the success of the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill depends on establishing clear jurisdictional boundaries, ensuring institutional independence, and promoting effective regulatory cooperation.
“Our goal is a sustainable digital economy driven by innovation, accountability, and investor trust,” Adebayo added, stressing that clarity and collaboration are the pillars that will define Nigeria’s digital future.
