The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a new policy under its Corporate Governance Guidelines 2025, introducing a mandatory cooling-off period for former senior officials before they can take up roles with telecom operators. The rule stipulates a five-year restriction for commissioners, executive vice-chairpersons, and the chief executive officer, and a three-year restriction for departmental directors.
This measure is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that regulatory decisions remain impartial and free from undue influence. By creating a buffer between regulatory service and industry employment, the NCC aims to reinforce public trust in its oversight and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s fast-growing telecommunications sector.
The cooling-off rule is one of several initiatives under the NCC’s broader push to enhance transparency, accountability, and fair competition. Other recent reforms include:
- Enforcing the Accounting Separation Framework, which requires telecom operators to present clear and separate financial statements.
- Promoting infrastructure sharing to reduce operational costs and improve service delivery.
- Cracking down on unauthorized tariff increases, with a focus on protecting consumers through transparent pricing disclosures.
With Nigeria’s telecom industry attracting billions in foreign and domestic investment, the NCC is prioritizing predictable and transparent governance to maintain investor confidence. The cooling-off rule helps mitigate the risk of policy capture, where former regulators might influence decisions in favor of private interests.
While the rule may limit post-regulatory career options for some officials, the NCC believes the long-term benefits outweigh individual inconvenience. By reducing insider influence, the commission aims to foster a more competitive market and improve quality of service for consumers.
The NCC has made it clear that there will be no transitional arrangements or exceptions to the rule, signaling its firm commitment to enforcing the new standards. If successfully implemented, this policy could serve as a model for other regulatory bodies in Nigeria seeking to tighten governance and build lasting trust in their sectors.
