The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has commenced a comprehensive review of key regulatory guidelines on licensing, enforcement processes, and the Internet Code of Practice to tackle emerging risks in the digital space.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed this at a public inquiry held in Abuja.
He said that the move was necessary to keep pace with rapid technological developments in the telecommunications industry.
Dr Maida, who was represented by Barrister Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management at the NCC, said the regulations under review were crucial to sustaining a competitive and secure communications sector.
“This Public Inquiry is a symbol of the Commission’s commitment to this mandate and testament to the value the Commission places on your contributions.”
He noted that the industry was evolving rapidly, with technological advancements reshaping communication systems and challenging existing regulatory frameworks.
“The Industry is evolving at a fast pace, with emerging technological advancements that have revolutionised communications and are pushing the limits on established concepts.
“This has necessitated the need to refine these regulatory instruments to ensure their functionality in this rapidly evolving world and maintaining a sane and adaptive system. The legislations under review play a vital role in ensuring that the communications sector remains viable.”
On enforcement, Dr Maida explained that the revised Enforcement Regulations would provide a transparent and accountable framework for compliance monitoring, investigation procedures, and sanctions.
Read Also: Stakeholders Laud NCC, DBI for Digital Skills Training
“The revised Enforcement Regulations provides a transparent and accountable framework for compliance monitoring, investigation procedures and sanctions.
“These amendments have become imperative to ensure that nagging regulatory breaches such as the prevalence of pre-registered SIM cards and call masking/refiling are addressed promptly, fairly and efficiently, in furtherance of the need to protect national security, prevent revenue losses of Operators and ultimately reinforce trust in the Commission’s oversight role.”
He further stated that the updated Internet Code of Practice seeks to protect users’ rights while ensuring that service providers uphold the highest ethical and technical standards.
“The most recorded technological advancements witnessed today have primarily impacted the online platforms, which has become an ever evolving tool with an increasingly converged audience across all brackets of society.
“The internet is a gateway to the world opening a flood gate of information and providing various tools that though beneficial and efficient also introduces unlawful, sinister and highly compromising contents.
“The access and use of this platform cannot be left unguarded considering the great risks it poses and its negative potential in the wrong hands.”
Public Inquiry
In her opening remarks, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the Commission, Mrs Chizua White, said the public inquiry was part of the NCC’s mandate to develop regulatory instruments that foster a vibrant communications market and a fair, efficient regulatory environment.
“The communications industry is undergoing significant transformation in this digital era. As these technologies evolve, regulatory frameworks must also adapt at a commensurately accelerated pace to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with its stakeholders, has consistently demonstrated commitment to advancing the industry through proactive regulation and strategic partnerships.”
She added that the proposed amendments represent a major milestone in strengthening the Commission’s mandate.
“The proposed amendments to these existing regulatory instruments represent another milestone in consolidating our accomplishments and advancing the Commission’s mandate to promote regulatory excellence, safeguard stakeholder interests, and strengthen the foundation of a dynamic and resilient communications sector.”