Maida Urges Expanded Broadband Access, Digital Inclusion as Nigeria Celebrates 25 Years of GSM

By Tope Bankole

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has called for increased investment in telecommunications infrastructure, affordable broadband services and wider digital inclusion as Nigeria commemorates 25 years of GSM technology.

Maida made the call while reflecting on the country's telecommunications journey at the 12th eWorld Forum and book launch held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Represented by Mojisola Saraki, the NCC chief executive said the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the achievements of the telecommunications industry and identify priorities for accelerating Nigeria's digital transformation.

The forum, themed “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On,” attracted industry stakeholders, technology experts and other participants to examine the evolution of telecommunications and its growing significance to national development.

The event also featured the unveiling of publications documenting the history, achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations that shaped Nigeria's telecommunications industry.

Speaking on the country's journey since the introduction of GSM, Maida described mobile telecommunications as a major catalyst for economic and social transformation, noting that its influence now extends across banking, education, commerce, entertainment and entrepreneurship.

He recalled that telephone services were largely inaccessible to many Nigerians before GSM, with communication often expensive, limited and difficult to establish beyond immediate locations.

According to him, the expansion of mobile networks fundamentally changed the situation, making telecommunications more accessible and transforming mobile phones from luxury possessions into essential tools for everyday life.

He explained that the development of SMS, mobile internet and smartphones subsequently expanded the role of telecommunications beyond voice communication, providing access to information, financial services and digital opportunities.

Maida noted that businesses increasingly depend on mobile connectivity to engage customers, manage operations and expand their markets, while financial technology companies have built innovative services around digital platforms.

He added that young entrepreneurs were leveraging mobile technology to establish businesses, promote products and access wider markets, while millions of Nigerians rely on digital services for education, employment and routine transactions.

The NCC executive vice chairman further observed that the GSM revolution had stimulated the growth of an extensive digital ecosystem involving telecommunications operators, infrastructure providers, software developers, fintech companies, technology firms and digital entrepreneurs.

However, he maintained that the industry's achievements must be accompanied by deliberate efforts to address existing challenges and ensure that connectivity delivers meaningful benefits to citizens.

He identified infrastructure investment, broadband expansion, service quality, affordability, cybersecurity and digital inclusion as critical areas requiring sustained attention.

Maida also highlighted the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as fifth-generation (5G) networks, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), urging stakeholders to position Nigeria to benefit from their applications.

“The question for the industry is no longer simply how to connect Nigerians. It is increasingly about what Nigerians can do with that connectivity,” he said.

He emphasised that access to digital networks should translate into improved educational opportunities, employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and wider participation in economic activities.

A significant feature of the event was the launch of Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, authored by veteran information and communications technology journalist, Aaron Ukodie.

The publication documents the development of Nigeria's telecommunications industry, highlighting the contributions of pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions and other stakeholders to the sector's growth.

Maida said the industry's 25-year journey demonstrated the central role of connectivity in modernising the economy and supporting national development.

He urged telecommunications stakeholders to build on the progress recorded by prioritising broader network coverage, accessible broadband services and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies.

According to him, the next phase of Nigeria's digital transformation should focus not only on connecting more people but also on ensuring that individuals, businesses and communities can convert connectivity into tangible social and economic opportunities.

He maintained that the GSM revolution had fundamentally reshaped how Nigerians communicate and conduct business, while establishing telecommunications as an essential pillar of the country's modern digital economy.