Tinubu appoints Idris Olorunnimbe as NCC chairman and USPF vice chairman

The federal government has appointed Idris Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Vice Chairman of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), in a key leadership restructuring under President Bola Tinubu’s administration [1]. The appointment was officially confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on August 2, 2025 [2]. Olorunnimbe will lead the NCC, the regulatory body overseeing Nigeria’s communications sector, alongside Dr. Aminu Wada, who retains his role as Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, a position he has held since October 2023 and confirmed by the Senate in November 2023 [1].

Olorunnimbe brings a background in governance and stakeholder engagement, having previously chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Board [1]. His leadership in youth employment and entrepreneurship programs adds a strategic dimension to his new role. The NCC board also includes Abraham Oshidami as Executive Commissioner for Technical Services and Rimini Makama as Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management. Other members include Hajia Maryam Bayi, Col. Abdulwahab Lawal (retd.), Senator Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, and the board secretary [1].

In a parallel development, the President also finalized the composition of the USPF board, which is tasked with expanding access to information and communication technologies in underserved areas [1]. The board is chaired by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, with Olorunnimbe as Vice Chairman [1]. The board includes representatives from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the USPF’s mandate [1]. This alignment is expected to enhance coordination between regulatory and developmental objectives.

Olorunnimbe’s dual appointment positions him as a central figure in Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy. His leadership in both the NCC and the USPF may facilitate a more integrated approach to expanding digital infrastructure and improving service delivery in remote regions. The USPF’s mission aligns with the broader goals of the 2025 National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill currently under consideration by the Senate [1]. With the NCC responsible for regulating the sector and the USPF tasked with extending access, the shared leadership could streamline policy implementation and improve operational efficiency.

The restructuring of the NCC and USPF boards reflects President Tinubu’s emphasis on strengthening governance and oversight in critical sectors. Appointing experienced professionals like Olorunnimbe is intended to reinforce public confidence and ensure the effective execution of national digital initiatives. Dr. Wada’s continued role as CEO underscores the administration’s strategy of maintaining operational continuity while introducing new leadership to drive progress.

The appointments were widely covered in press releases and social media posts in the weeks following the announcement, with repeated affirmations from government officials highlighting their significance. These communications underscore the administration’s commitment to transparency and institutional stability in the telecommunications and digital sectors.

The Nigerian Senate recently approved N272 billion for the NCC and N15 billion for the USPF for the 2025 fiscal year [1]. A portion of the USPF’s budget—N10.9 billion—will be allocated to projects and programs, while N4.04 billion will cover recurrent expenditure and N53.96 million will be used for capital expenditure. The funds are expected to support the Impact Alliance project, which aims to accelerate digital inclusion across the country. Since 2007, the USPF has funded over 2,500 education projects, with the new funding set to further expand its reach.

Source: [1] Tinubu approves new boards for NCC, USPF (https://punchng.com/tinubu-approves-new-boards-for-ncc-uspf/)

[2] Tinubu appoints board members for NCC, USPF (https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-appoints-board-members-for-ncc-uspf/)