NCC Reviews Laws to Match Tech Trends

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled its 2024 Regulatory Impact
Assessment report, focused on aligning telecom regulations with the rapidly evolving tech
landscape.
Key areas reviewed include licensing, SIM registration, subscriber management, spectrum
trading, enforcement processes, and infrastructure sharing.
The report assesses the relevance of existing rules, highlights outdated provisions, and
suggests updates to better reflect current technological and market developments.
“This marks a new approach in the Commission’s rule-making process and offers an
additional platform for inclusive regulatory engagement with all stakeholders,” said Dr. Aminu
Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, during a presentation on Thursday.
The hybrid event, which featured both virtual and in-person participation, brought together
telecom operators, policy analysts, civil society groups, and consumer advocates. Dr. Aminu
Maida explained that the Regulatory Impact Assessment was anchored on three strategic
pillars: the consumer, the market, and the government describing them as the core of the
Commission’s regulatory vision.
Speaking on the consumer pillar, Maida reaffirmed that the NCC is committed to enhancing
user satisfaction and quality of experience. “Consumers are undeniably at the centre of our
regulatory priorities,” he stated.
The RIA assessed the impact of subsidiary legislations on consumer protection and overall
user experience, while also examining their effects on operators focusing on issues such as
market entry barriers, fair competition, and efficient resource allocation.
“This assessment is essential for evaluating how adaptable and responsive our regulations
are in driving competition, minimizing entry barriers, and ensuring the efficient use of scarce
resources,” he said.
He added that the RIA also measured how well existing regulations support the Federal
Government’s broader policy objectives, particularly in fostering digital inclusion, innovation,
and national development.
According to Maida, the exercise reflects the NCC’s strengthened commitment to inclusive
regulation by actively involving stakeholders in the policy-making process.
“The primary aim of the Regulatory Impact Assessment is to provide stakeholders across the
telecom sector with the opportunity to review and evaluate existing regulations,” he stated.
“When thoughtfully designed, these regulations serve the public interest, drive innovation,
and foster investment.”
He emphasized that stakeholders were invited to offer feedback and recommendations,
which will play a key role in shaping future regulatory updates.