The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun reviewing three regulatory instruments, the Licensing Regulations, Enforcement Processes Regulations, and the Internet Code of Practice to improve efficiency, support innovation, and facilitate business in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the review of the three regulatory guidelines is aimed at keeping pace with changes in the communications industry.
Maida, who was represented by Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, said the regulations under review are central to maintaining a competitive communications sector.
He explained, “The revised Internet Code of Practice, which is being upgraded into a guideline, reflects the evolving digital landscape and aims to safeguard the rights of users while ensuring service providers maintain ethical and technical standards. It introduces provisions on 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, he added, “As the industry advances and the global market becomes more converged, enforcement measures must be broadened to ensure effective regulation across the sector.”
Regarding licensing, Maida said it remains at the core of the Commission’s work, as all operators intending to provide communications services in Nigeria must obtain a license from the NCC. “The revised licensing regulations streamline the licensing process, clarify obligations, and introduce provisions on general authorisations, licence renewal, corporate restructuring and transfers, sanctions, and enforcement mechanisms. These changes are intended to facilitate business, support innovation, and provide regulatory clarity.”
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Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services (LRS), represented by the Deputy Director of LRS, said, the NCC is empowered under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to develop and amend regulatory instruments as part of its governance of the communications sector.
Whyte said, “Several amendments and new provisions have been made to key instruments, which will be reviewed during this public inquiry, reflecting the Commission’s participatory approach to regulation.”
The communications industry continues to undergo transformation in the digital era, driven by technological development and new models of connectivity, highlighting the need for updated and responsive regulatory frameworks.
