Nigerian Communications Commission Introduces Key Regulatory Instruments

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has commenced a new roadmap to strengthen quality service regulations in the industry.

This is geared towards meeting up with the global changes in technology development.

A 3-day public inquiry on six regulatory instruments and the draft presentation by the Commission began on Tuesday, 25th July in Abuja.

During the event, the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta listed the regulatory instruments to include data protection regulations, draft guidelines on corporate governance, and commercial satellite guidelines.

The draft also covers commercial satellite guidelines, guidelines on corporate governance, and quality of service regulations.

According to the EVC, “the sector was at the forefront of innovation and advancements in technology, adding that there is the need for review and introductions to the regulatory instruments.”

“The exercise would afford seamless communication, foster connectivity and thereby create an enabling environment to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

“With the laudable advancements in the sector comes great responsibility on the part of the government to ensure that there exists an enabling environment for the industry to thrive, through the introduction/amendment of key regulatory instruments,” he said.

The Director, of Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC, Helen Obi said; the development of subsidiary legislations by the commission would address several significant amendments.

Obi said that it would also bring introductions to the regulatory instruments being proposed to the industry as prescribed by Sections 70-72 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

She said the plan was intended to ensure that the industry continues to evolve and thrive, by NCC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of service.

Obi said: “The first review is the amendment of the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations, 2013. Quality of service is central to the quality of user experience.

“We must maintain, and enhance the standards of service that our consumers receive.”

She said that the proposed amendment to the QoS Regulations intends to introduce stricter performance standards, more robust monitoring mechanisms, and more transparent reporting systems that would improve the overall customer experience.

“More importantly, these changes will also drive operators to enhance their networks and services through efficient deployment and network optimization processes.

“Clearly, these expectations will ultimately foster a culture of continual improvement which is essential for the competitiveness and vitality of our industry,” Obi said.

Mercy Chukwudiebere