By Kingsley Samuel
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, have deepened their partnership to enhance public awareness of telecommunications policies and regulatory initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s telecom sector.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this while receiving the President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and members of the Institute’s delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Maida said the Commission would continue collaborating with professional bodies such as the NIPR to improve public understanding of key regulatory policies, promote responsible communication and strengthen stakeholder engagement across the telecommunications industry.
“The Commission will continue to partner with relevant professional bodies, including the NIPR, in promoting public awareness, responsible communication and stakeholder engagement on issues relating to the telecommunications sector,” he said.
He explained that the partnership would support ongoing awareness campaigns on the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure, CNII, efficient data usage, simplified tariff structures, the public coverage map and other regulatory initiatives designed to improve accountability, consumer protection and industry competitiveness.
According to him, sustained stakeholder engagement remains critical to building a resilient telecommunications sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital economy aspirations.
Maida also said reforms introduced by the Commission were beginning to yield positive results, particularly in restoring investor confidence in the telecom industry.
“The level of investment we are seeing now is not about keeping the lights on; it is about growing the industry. This is something we have not seen for years. It is a sign that investors have confidence in the sector, in the reforms of the government, in the regulator and in the opportunities available in this market,” he said.
The NCC boss congratulated the NIPR for securing the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, describing the feat as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing reputation in strategic communication.
“It tells a compelling story of perseverance, strategic communication and the importance of owning the narrative. It also reflects our ability to convincingly demonstrate to the Global Alliance and other stakeholders why Nigeria deserves the opportunity to host the forum,” he stated.
He also urged the Institute to leverage the forthcoming African Telecoms Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries, scheduled to hold in Nigeria in July 2026, to further project the country’s image on the international stage.
In his remarks, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the NCC for its commitment to stakeholder engagement and its role in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
He pledged the Institute’s support for the Commission’s consumer education and awareness programmes.
“We are ready to collaborate with the NCC on initiatives that promote responsible communication, reputation management and greater public awareness of the Commission’s regulatory initiatives,” Neliaku said.
He added that the partnership would help improve public understanding of telecom policies, strengthen trust between regulators and consumers, and support the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
