Telecoms: Legal community critical to regulatory ecosystem, digital future –NCC

*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, emphasises Attorneys-General are policy influencers and key partners in shaping legal frameworks that support innovation, fairness, accountability, and sustainability of the communications sector of the economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasised the strategic importance of collaborations with other industries for dynamic, impactful, and effective regulation of the communications sector of the economy.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of NCC, stated this in his opening remarks at the recent 1st Annual Workshop for Attorneys-General on Emerging Issues in the Communications Sector, in Lagos.

The theme of this year’s workshop was, “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria”.

Dr. Maida, at the maiden edition of the NCC’s Annual Workshop for top legal practitioners, said the workshop was a significant milestone in the Commission’s efforts at fostering collaboration between the legal community and the regulatory ecosystem towards driving Nigeria’s digital future.

According to him, the topical discourse at the forum reflected NCC’s belief that collaboration is not optional, but essential to have a robust communications sector in the country.

Underscoring the significance of partnerships, he further asserted that no sector, especially one as dynamic and impactful as communications, could be effectively regulated in isolation in the economy.

“The communications sector remains a vital enabler of innovation, commerce, governance, and inclusion,” stated Maida.

The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulator also applauded Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, for supporting the Federal Government’s drive to ensure what he described as “institutional synergy and policy cohesion” in the communications space in Nigeria.

Maida averred: “We deeply appreciate your leadership and commitment.”

Core objective of workshop, by EVC/CEO

Stressing the objective of the workshop for Attorneys-General, the NCC Chief said to fully unlock industry’s potential, stakeholders “must tackle a range of challenges that cut across legal, regulatory, fiscal, and operational domains.”

He equally noted that Attorneys-General across states in the Federation play a critical role in addressing these identified issues in the sector.

Maida told the participants: “You are not only the Chief Law Officers of your states; you are also policy influencers and key partners in shaping the legal frameworks that support national development.

“Your insights and guidance help ensure that innovation happens within a structure that promotes fairness, accountability, and long-term stability.”

Some historical developments in communications industry

Going down the memory lane in his remarks, Dr. Maida recalled since the early 2000s, communications regulation has evolved through distinct phases in Nigeria.

These, he said, ranged from liberalising markets and establishing independent regulators, to expanding Broadband infrastructure and fostering universal access for consumers.

He noted that in the 2010s, attention shifted to protecting telecoms consumers, enabling digital financial services, and addressing cross sectoral challenges.

The EVC/CEO said these days, however, industry regulators are focused on advanced frontiers, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, digital resilience, and sustainable connectivity.

All through this journey, a constant feature remains, that “collaborative, forward-looking regulation is essential to sustaining innovation and inclusive digital growth,” said he.

NCA 2003, digital age and emergent issues

Restating the major objective of the event, Maida disclosed the workshop has been designed to address some of the most pressing issues in the sector today.

He noted these include a review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003).

The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC stated: “We will reflect on its strengths, limitations, and areas for reform to ensure it remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving digital age.”

He stated that streamlining taxation in the communications sector is another pressing industry challenge.

The CEO of the Commission disclosed the thorny issue of “multiple and inconsistent taxes” continues to deter investment in the communications sector of the Nigerian economy.

He equally stated: “We must work together to harmonise tax regimes and remove disincentives to growth.”

Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure

The Nigerian Government, following the Executive Order (EO), which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed 2024, has designated communications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in the West African country.

Speaking on the essence of the Order for the sector, Maida emphasised the Presidential Order now affords the Commission a new framework for collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and other stakeholders.

“We must now operationalise it effectively,” said he.

He as well noted as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation drive, underpinned by technologies, such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and high-speed connectivity, the challenges will grow more complex in the entire digital environment.

He, however, stated so would there be numerous opportunities for the stakeholders.

Collaborative actions for regulatory excellence

As regards maximising the emerging opportunities in the communications space, Dr. Maida said to succeed, stakeholders must adopt a Whole-of-Government approach that leverages the strengths of all institutions, both Federal and state.

On the NCC ongoing efforts at ensuring this, he reiterated:

“At the NCC, we are committed to working with you to align regulatory actions with broader national goals.

“We believe the Attorneys-General have a strategic role to play—not just in interpreting the law, but in shaping an enabling legal environment where technology and governance work in tandem.”

Maida also noted: “We hope it will become an annual platform for knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and joint problem-solving.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman said such robust conversations with relevant stakeholders would lead to “stronger partnerships and better outcomes” for the Nigerian consumers.

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