The Digest:
President Bola Tinubu has named Idris Olorunnimbe, founder of The Temple, as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This appointment comes months after Olorunnimbe’s initial nomination to chair the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) was rescinded in July, with Tanko Umaru Al-Makura taking over the role instead.
Key Highlights:
- Olorunnimbe now leads the NCC, which plays a vital role in Nigeria's telecommunications sector.
- In March 2025, Olorunnimbe was initially appointed as UBEC chair, but his appointment was later withdrawn in July, following his replacement by Al-Makura.
- Alongside Olorunnimbe’s appointment, Aminu Waida remains as Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC. Waida was confirmed by the Senate in November 2023.
- The new NCC board also includes key figures such as Abraham Oshidami, Rimini Makama, Maryam Bayi, and Cornel Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd), among others.
- Olorunnimbe has also been appointed vice-chair of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) board, with Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, serving as chairman.
Olorunnimbe’s career is distinguished by his impactful contributions to youth employment and entrepreneurship. He previously chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committee on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Board. The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which Olorunnimbe will help oversee, is dedicated to expanding access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in underserved and rural areas across Nigeria.
Sources: Vanguard
