The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as critical technologies that will drive productivity, innovation and economic transformation as Nigeria pursues its ambition of building a $1 trillion digital economy.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, asserted during the 17th Nigeria Communications Week and Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Award held in Lagos. He was represented by the Acting Controller of the NCC Lagos Office, Toluwalase Modele Rufai.
Speaking on the theme, “Impact of AI and IoT on Business Operational Efficiency,” Maida said the technologies have evolved from emerging innovations into essential tools for improving efficiency and competitiveness across industries.
“This year’s theme is not only timely but profoundly important. As Nigeria accelerates its journey toward a $1 trillion digital economy, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things have moved from futuristic concepts to present-day drivers of productivity, cost optimisation and competitive advantage across every sector,” he said.
According to Maida, AI-powered predictive analytics is helping manufacturers anticipate equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. He added that IoT-enabled sensors are enhancing agricultural productivity through real-time monitoring of soil and environmental conditions.
“Across banking, healthcare, smart cities, manufacturing and governance, these technologies are streamlining operations, automating routine tasks and unlocking data-driven decision-making that was unimaginable just a decade ago,” he stated.
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The NCC boss noted that connected technologies are improving supply-chain visibility, reducing delays and lowering operational costs while enhancing customer experience. He said these gains are becoming increasingly important as businesses seek to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Maida, however, stressed that the success of AI and IoT depends largely on the availability of robust telecommunications infrastructure.
“At the heart of every AI and IoT deployment lies one critical enabler: resilient, high-capacity connectivity. Without secure, scalable broadband networks, the full promise of real-time data exchange, seamless device interoperability and intelligent automation remains unfulfilled,” he said.
To support the growing demand for digital services, the NCC said it is implementing measures aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure nationwide. These include ongoing engagement with state governments on reducing Right-of-Way charges and addressing administrative barriers that slow fibre-optic deployment.
The Commission has also made spectrum resources available for mobile broadband, fixed wireless access and IoT services. According to Maida, the planned 2026–2030 Spectrum Roadmap is expected to provide additional opportunities for broadband expansion and emerging technology deployment.
He said Nigeria’s broadband penetration has surpassed 52 per cent, supported by increasing adoption of 4G and 5G technologies. The NCC believes the trend will strengthen innovation, improve digital access and support economic growth.
The regulator also highlighted the introduction of its General Authorisation Framework, a regulatory sandbox that enables innovators to test emerging technologies, including AI, IoT and blockchain solutions, within a controlled environment before wider deployment.
While emphasising the transformative potential of AI and IoT, Maida acknowledged that challenges remain. He identified inadequate power supply, digital skills gaps, data privacy concerns and cybersecurity risks as issues that require collaboration among government agencies, industry players, academia and investors.
“The NCC remains fully committed to creating an enabling, predictable regulatory environment that attracts investment, spurs innovation and delivers inclusive growth,” he said.
Industry stakeholders at the event agreed that wider adoption of AI and IoT could accelerate productivity, improve service delivery and create new opportunities for economic diversification. The discussions underscored the growing role of emerging technologies in shaping Nigeria’s digital future and advancing the country’s broader economic development objectives.
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