The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled its 2024 Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) report, a strategic move aimed at updating telecommunications regulations in line with the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The RIA focuses on key areas such as licensing, SIM registration, subscriber data management, spectrum trading, enforcement procedures, and infrastructure sharing.
The assessment seeks to determine the effectiveness of current regulations, highlight outdated provisions, and recommend reforms that reflect present-day realities in technology and market trends.
“This represents an innovation in the Commission’s rule-making process and offers another platform for inclusive regulatory engagement,” said the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a stakeholder presentation held on Thursday.
The event, held both virtually and physically, brought together telecom operators, policy analysts, civil society groups, and consumer advocates. Dr. Maida explained that the RIA was anchored on three pillars: the consumer, the market, and the government—describing them as the foundation of the NCC’s regulatory direction.
From the consumer perspective, Maida emphasized that enhancing user satisfaction and quality of experience remains the Commission’s top priority. “Consumers are at the heart of our regulatory approach,” he stated.
The RIA also examined the impact of existing subsidiary regulations on consumer protection and operational efficiency.
It assessed how these laws affect competition, entry barriers, and resource use among telecom operators.
“This evaluation helps us understand how responsive and flexible our rules are in fostering innovation, fair competition, and optimal use of limited resources,” Maida said.
He further highlighted the alignment of the RIA with the Federal Government’s policy objectives, especially in areas such as digital inclusion, technological innovation, and national development.
“The RIA reflects our renewed commitment to inclusive regulatory practices, ensuring that all stakeholders help shape the rules that govern the industry,” Maida added.
Stakeholders were invited to offer feedback and recommendations, which will inform future policy amendments. “Today’s dialogue is key to refining our policies and ensuring that our regulatory strategies evolve with industry trends,” he noted. “It also allows us to re-evaluate our strategic priorities and measure how well we’re meeting stakeholder expectations.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission underscored the need for a transparent and inclusive regulatory process that evolves alongside technological change.
“We must rigorously review, respectfully engage diverse perspectives, and remain focused on the ultimate goal: building a regulatory framework that fosters sustainable growth,” Maida urged.
He called for honest and constructive input from all stakeholders, stressing that the future of telecom regulation in Nigeria hinges on collaboration and shared insight.
The eight subsidiary regulations currently under review address vital issues such as consumer protection, licensing standards, compliance mechanisms, and resource management.
In light of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital platforms, the NCC emphasized the need for a flexible and forward-thinking regulatory structure.
“The Commission is firmly committed to a fair, transparent, and consumer-first telecommunications ecosystem,” Maida concluded, reaffirming the NCC’s mission to balance innovation, investment, and consumer protection.
