A recent report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has highlighted Nigeria’s strong readiness for digital transformation, achieving an impressive score of 71 percent. The evaluation, conducted in partnership with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, assessed each country’s legal, policy, and governance frameworks aimed at advancing digital transformation, classified as G5.
The report, titled “Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation,” was unveiled by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Abuja. It emphasizes the need for collaborative regulatory practices to facilitate Nigeria’s transition towards improved digital governance, evidence-based policymaking, and dynamic regulation in the digital economy.
Nigeria’s ranking places it among the top seven countries in Africa, joining leaders such as Germany, Finland, and Singapore on the global stage. The report also recognized Nigeria’s high performance in the BEMECS 5G Readiness Index, showcasing the country’s capability to deploy and adopt mass-market 5G networks.
During the presentation, the Minister underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging this report as a strategic tool for achieving regulatory goals and enhancing the digital economy. He stated, “Our ongoing efforts will focus on establishing modern regulations that facilitate proper business conduct and increase local content within the sector.”
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has evolved significantly, shifting from a telecommunications regulator to a foundational entity essential for economic prosperity. The report, presented to key industry stakeholders—including service providers, government agencies, and representatives from multilateral institutions—aims to complement existing benchmarks that evaluate country policies and regulatory environments.
The assessment highlights Nigeria’s performance across several benchmarks critical for digital transformation readiness, where the country is currently positioned at G4, just one step below the advanced G5 state. Key accomplishments include a remarkable 91 percent in Regulatory Capacity, 82 percent in Market Rules, and 76 percent in Legal Instruments for ICT/telecom markets.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission welcomed the findings, which are expected to foster effective regulation, attract greater investment, and promote innovative models for broader digital inclusion. Emphasizing the importance of collaborative regulation, he affirmed its role in advancing Nigeria’s digital governance and agile policymaking in the evolving digital landscape.
