The newly constituted Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signalled a renewed commitment to institutional excellence, strategic clarity and forward-looking regulation, following a high-level induction retreat held last week in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The retreat, chaired by the Board Chairman, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, provided a strategic platform for robust engagement between the Board and Management, with deliberations focused on strengthening the Commission’s mandate as a critical enabler of Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy.
In his opening remarks, Chief Olorunnimbe set the tone for a results-driven tenure, emphasising discipline, innovation, accountability and stakeholder confidence as pillars for repositioning the NCC in line with global best practices.
Drawing from his extensive background in private sector leadership, institution-building and governance, the Board Chairman underscored the importance of excellence-driven leadership in navigating the complexities of telecommunications regulation in a digital age.
Widely recognised for his track record in entrenching excellence across organisations he has led, Olorunnimbe noted that the NCC must continue to balance robust regulation with innovation, investment attraction and consumer protection. He stressed that the Commission’s decisions and policies must consistently reflect professionalism, transparency and a clear understanding of Nigeria’s broader economic and technological aspirations.
The retreat featured sessions facilitated by distinguished experts, each offering critical insights to strengthen the Board’s effectiveness. Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye led an in-depth review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), reinforcing the legal foundations guiding the Commission’s operations. Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, provided reflections on effective board governance and oversight within a national telecommunications regulator, highlighting the responsibilities of board members in ensuring strategic alignment and institutional integrity.
Adding an international perspective, Prof. Hyacinth Nwana examined the evolving role of regulators globally and the future of telecommunications regulation amid rapid technological change. Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, further grounded the Board in core corporate governance principles, stressing ethical leadership, clarity of roles and sustainable decision-making.
Participants at the retreat described the engagements as timely and impactful, noting that the sessions reinforced a shared vision between the Board and Management to deepen regulatory excellence, strengthen institutional capacity and support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
With Chief Idris Olorunnimbe at the helm, the NCC Board’s induction retreat marked not just a formal orientation, but a clear statement of intent: to chart a new course of excellence, leverage experience and innovation, and position the Commission to effectively lead Nigeria’s telecommunications sector into the future.
