NCC Orders Telcos To Separate CEO, Chairman Roles

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rolled out new corporate governance rules mandating telecom operators to separate the roles of chief executive officer and board chairman, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, risk management, and long-term sustainability in the industry.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Corporate Governance Guidelines for the Telecoms Sector in Lagos, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the new framework is designed to align Nigeria’s telecom sector with global best practices.
“Corporate governance is no longer a soft requirement. It is now a strategic imperative.In a sector central to Nigeria’s digital future and exposed to cybersecurity threats, climate risks, and rising consumer demands, we must raise the bar,” he said.
The guidelines require telecom firms to establish boards comprising executive, non-executive, and independent directors with expertise in ICT and cybersecurity. Firms are also directed to institutionalise internal audits and submit board-certified compliance reports biannually and annually.
Crucially, the NCC now mandates a clear separation of powers between the chairman and the chief executive officer to strengthen internal checks and reduce governance risks.
“Operators must formally recognise their regulatory officers as the key compliance liaisons with the Commission,” Maida added.
He cited an NCC review showing that telecom firms with robust corporate governance consistently outperformed peers in service delivery, financial management, and regulatory compliance.
While acknowledging potential operational challenges in implementing the new rules, Maida said the long-term benefits including improved market trust and service quality, far outweigh any transitional hurdles.
With over 150 million active subscriptions, Maida stressed that the telecom sector is “critical national infrastructure,” forming the digital backbone of sectors such as finance, health, education, and government services.
He said enforcement would be phased based on licensing categories but warned of strict sanctions against defaulters once the compliance window lapses.