The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced new corporate governance guidelines that will prevent its top officials from working in telecom companies they regulate until after a set period.
Under the new rules, the Chairman, Executive Vice-Chairman, and Board Commissioners, whether executive or non-executive, are barred from joining any licensed telecom company for five years after leaving office.
Departmental Directors at the NCC will have a three-year cooling-off period before they can take jobs with any licensee under the Commission’s oversight. The aim is to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparent regulation.
The guidelines also set fresh rules for telecom company boards. A Board Chairman or Vice-Chairman of any licensed telecom firm will no longer be allowed to exercise executive powers or serve as Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer.
Former board chairmen or non-executive directors cannot become MD, CEO, or take other executive roles in the same company or its affiliates until five years after leaving their board position.
The rules also limit board membership within families. No more than two members of the same family can serve on the board of a licensed telecom company at the same time.
These measures are designed to improve accountability, ensure a clear separation of roles, and strengthen internal governance across the sector.
According to the NCC, the new corporate governance policy is aimed at promoting transparency, due process, accountability, and ethical standards while also fostering innovation in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
The rules will apply to all communications companies that hold individual licences and pay Annual Operating Levies (AOL) under the AOL Regulations 2022.
The Commission said it may adjust how the rules apply to different categories of licences and will notify operators in writing about any phased compliance plans.
The NCC unveiled the guidelines in Lagos last week during a gathering of stakeholders in the telecom industry.
Speaking at the event, NCC Executive Vice-Chairman Dr Aminu Maida said the rules are part of efforts to improve long-term business sustainability, boost investor confidence, and enhance service quality.
Maida described corporate governance as a strategic necessity, especially in a sector that is critical to Nigeria’s digital future and exposed to risks such as cybersecurity threats, energy price fluctuations, climate change effects, and rising consumer expectations.
He said an internal review by the NCC revealed that telecom companies with stronger governance structures perform better in service delivery, financial management, and compliance with regulations.
While acknowledging that some operators might find the changes disruptive at first, Maida said the long-term benefits would outweigh the initial challenges.
The Commission believes the new governance standards will lead to more reliable telecom services, improved customer trust, and stronger market stability.
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