NCC reviewing regulatory instruments to enhance industry standards, consumer protection –Official

*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the revised and refined regulatory guidelines, including Licensing, Enforcement Processes and Internet Code of Practice, are designed to facilitate an efficient, accessible and competitive communications industry

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a move to further safeguard consumers’ rights while ensuring telecoms service providers uphold the highest standards of ethical and technical conduct, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed plans to enhance extant regulatory frameworks.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC the affected regulatory guidelines are reports that the regulatory guidelines are Licensing, Enforcement Processes and Internet Code of Practice.

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The telecoms sector regulatory Commission said it would take the step in order to facilitate an efficient, accessible and competitive communications industry in the West African country.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, emphasised this in his address at the recent Public Enquiry on three Subsidiary Legislations in the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, FCT.

Maida said planned review of the regulatory frameworks is accordance with global best practices.

The EVC/CEO of NCC stressed this would ensure the creation of comprehensive communications structure serving the interests of various stakeholders.

Represented at the event by Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM) at NCC, stated that the legislations under review played a vital role in ensuring that the communications sector remained viable.

The revised Internet Code of Practice, the Commission explained, reflects Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape and aims to safeguard the rights of users while ensuring that service providers uphold the highest standards of ethical and technical conduct.

He further affirmed: “It introduces robust provisions, including open Internet access, cybersecurity and data protection, use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)by operators, child online safety, network governance, and anti-spam measures.

“On the enforcement processes regulations, as the industry advances and the globe metamorphoses into a converged market, there is a need to update enforcement measures that are not as limited but provide for regulation through a wider scope.”

Maida highlights significance of revised frameworks on Licensing, Enforcement Processes and Internet Code of Practice

Underscoring the essence of renewing and refining the regulatory frameworks, Dr. Maida said that licensing remains the core of the Commission’s activities.

He explained this involves mandating issuance of licences by the Commission to any operator intending to provide communications service in Nigeria.

He declared: “In view of current trends and the evolution of digital tools and instruments, there is a need to refine this regulation in order to accommodate these advancements.

“The revised licensing regulations streamlined the licensing process, clarified obligations, and introduced new provisions on general authorisations, renewal of licences, corporate restructuring and transfers, sanctions and enforcement mechanisms.”

The Executive Vice-Chairman also stated: “These changes are designed to promote ease of doing business, encourage innovation and ensure regulatory clarity.”

On transformation, governance and amendment of regulatory instruments

Speaking at the public hearing earlier, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services (LRS) at NCC, affirmed that the Commission is empowered through the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to develop and amend regulatory instruments.

Whyte, represented by Lawrence Abang, Head of Dispute and Litigation of the Commission, said the mandate is part of NCC’s governance and regulation of the entire Nigerian Communications Sector in Nigeria.

The communications industry in the country, she stated, is currently undergoing a significant transformation in this digital era.

According to her, this development is characterised by rapid technological innovation, and the emergence of new paradigms that continue to redefine global connectivity.

The NCC Head of Legal and Regulatory Services also noted: “As these technologies evolve, regulatory frameworks must also adapt at a commensurately accelerated pace to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness.

“To this effect, several significant amendments and introductions have been made to a few instruments which will be reviewed during this public enquiry, as a key ingredient of the participatory approach of the NCC.”

Whyte said: “This public enquiry, coming after a six-month consultation process, reaffirms the Commission’s dedication to inclusive and transparent regulatory processes.”

The Commission’s Head of Legal and Regulatory Services added that the public inquiry as well underscores the NCC’s commitment to fostering a communications ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to the sustainable development and diversification of the Nigerian economy.”

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