The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Tuesday, unveiled the process and plans to enhance regulatory frameworks to promote an efficient, accessible and competitive communications industry.
The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said this at the Public Enquiry on three Subsidiary Legislations in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the regulatory guidelines are Licensing, Enforcement Processes and Internet Code of Practice.
Maida, represented by NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said that this was in line with global best practices while ensuring the creation of comprehensive communications structure serving the interests of various stakeholders.
He said that the legislations under review played a vital role in ensuring that the communications sector remained viable.
According to him, the revised Internet Code of Practice 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.
“It introduces robust provisions, including open internet access, cybersecurity and data protection, use of artificial intelligence 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 said that licensing was at the core of the commission’s activities, that is, mandating issuance of licenses by the commission to any operator intending to provide communications service in Nigeria.
“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.
“These changes are designed to promote ease of doing business, encourage innovation and ensure regulatory clarity,” the EVC said.
Earlier, the Head, Legal and Regulatory Services (LRS), Mrs Chizua Whyte, said that the NCC was empowered through the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to develop and amend regulatory instruments.
Whyte, who was represented by the Deputy Director, LRS, said that this was part of NCC’s governance and regulation of the Nigerian communications Sector.
She said that the communications industry was undergoing a significant transformation in this digital era characterised by rapid technological innovation and the emergence of new paradigms that continue to redefine global connectivity.
“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.
“This public enquiry, coming after a six-month consultation process, reaffirms the commission’s dedication to inclusive and transparent regulatory processes.
“It also underscores our commitment to fostering a communications ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to the sustainable development and diversification of the Nigerian economy,” she said.
