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What Key Policies Shaped TMT in Nigeria in 2025.

A review of the laws and regulations that shaped Nigeria’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications Sector in the year 2025.

By Rotimi Owolabi · 24 January 2026

2025 was a defining year for Nigeria’s Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector. But beyond the innovation and market expansion, the year was marked by regulatory interventions aimed at protecting consumers and aligning Nigeria with global standards. This review examines the key policies, laws, and regulatory instruments that significantly influenced Nigeria’s TMT landscape in 2025, highlighting their implications for operators, investors, creators, and consumers.

  1. The Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025

After years of regulatory flip-flopping, from outright bans to cautious tolerance, Nigeria formally recognises cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The ISA formally classifies cryptocurrencies and digital assets as securities.(1) Virtual Asset Service Providers and Digital Asset Operators are now required to obtain licenses, bringing them under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) regulatory oversight.

  1. NCC Guidelines on Corporate Governance 2025

The 2025 Corporate Governance Guidelines (Guidelines) issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) marked a decisive push to strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The Guidelines mandate clearer board structures, including limits on executive director representation, the inclusion of independent non-executive directors, and defined tenure limits for board members. They introduce stricter requirements on risk management frameworks, internal audit functions, and regulatory compliance reporting, alongside mandatory ethics and whistleblowing mechanisms.

  1. NCC Tariff Adjustment

In January 2025, the NCC approved telecoms operators’ long-awaited request for tariff adjustments, being the first general review in over 12 years. The operators had initially issued an increase exceeding 100%, but after much outcry, the NCC eventually approved a maximum 50% adjustment, capping increases at 50% of current rates.

  1. Nigeria Data Protection Act General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID)

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission took a bold step in the implementation of the Data Protection Act with the issuance of the GAID. The GAID introduces the following:

  1. Mandatory registration for Data Controllers and Processors of Major Importance (DCPMI) and exemption to organisation that may not be registered as DCPMI;

  2. Extension of the annual audit filing cycle from March 15 to March 31;

  3. Data protection Impact Assessment for activities that may by high risk;

  4. Accountability exercise which include, having in place Record of Processing Activities, Semi-Annual Data Protection Report, continuous development exercise for data protection officers;

  5. Deployment requirements for AI, Blockchain, and IoT technologies, etc.

  1. Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (Regulation).

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued comprehensive Regulations targeting digital lending, a sector that had exploded in popularity but also attracted notoriety for predatory practices, data misuse, and borrower harassment. The Regulation requires all lenders to register with FCCPC, submit compliance audit reports, data protection impact assessments, and audited financial statements. The Regulation mandates transparent disclosure of all fees and terms, prohibition of unsolicited advertisements or loans to borrowers lacking repayment capacity, fair debt recovery banning harassment, and most importantly, prohibition from accessing borrowers’ contact lists, call logs, and photos.

  1. Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations 2025

In January 2025, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (Commission) issued new Collective Management Regulations, repealing the 2007 framework that had governed copyright administration for nearly two decades.

The new Regulations introduce stricter licensing and renewal requirements for Collective Management Organisations, enhanced governance standards, and stronger transparency obligations, including clearer royalty collection and distribution rules. They also empower the Commission to exercise greater oversight through audits, compliance reporting, and sanctions for misconduct.

  1. Nigeria AI Strategy

Nigeria’s AI Strategy, released in September 2025, sets out the country’s first coordinated policy vision for artificial intelligence. The strategy prioritises AI talent development, research and innovation, ethical and trustworthy AI use, data infrastructure, and sector-specific deployment across areas such as telecommunications, media, finance, and public services. It also emphasises human-centred AI, risk management, and alignment with global best practices.

  1. National Executive Approval of National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPSS)

On November 6, 2025, Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (Policy). The Policy represents the country’s first unified framework for protecting and commercialising intellectual property. The Policy focuses on strengthening IP governance institutions, digitising IP administration, improving enforcement, and promoting the commercialisation of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs.

For the TMT sector, NIPPS signals a shift toward treating intellectual property as a strategic economic asset—critical for driving innovation, attracting investment, and scaling Nigeria’s digital and creative industries.

Closing

Taken together, the policy developments of 2025 reflect a clear shift in Nigeria’s approach to governing its digital and creative economy. While challenges around implementation and regulatory coordination remain, these reforms signal Nigeria’s strides in maturing its TMT ecosystem, and we look forward to seeing how these reforms will shape how the sector will evolve in the years ahead.

Endnote

  1. Section 357, ISA

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This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your circumstances, speak with a legal professional.

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