NCC To Review Regulatory Instruments To Improve Telecom Sector

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put mechanisms in place to review three key regulatory instruments (also known as subsidiary regulations) in order to improve the operations of the telecommunications industry.

The executive vice chairman of the Commission, Dr, Aminu Maida made this known during a two- day public inquiry into the review of the regulations in Abuja on Tuesday, adding that industry stakeholders and telecom operators have made significant inputs on the instruments to be reviewed.

According to him the first Regulatory instrument is Telecommunications Networks Interconnect Regulations.  Speaking further on this, the NCC boss said interconnection plays a vital role in enabling seamless communication between two different networks, and facilitating the growth of the communication industry in Nigeria.

“This review is crucial to keep pace with technological advancement, foster competition, protect consumer interest, align with international standards and improve regulatory efficiency in the industry,” he said.

Maida said that the second instrument to be reviewed is Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators.  On this he said where disconnection of operators becomes necessary these guidelines lay out the procedural framework through which such approvals are granted, ensuring that they are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.

The third instrument to be reviewed is Guidelines for Dispute Resolution.  Speaking further on this, Maida noted that disputes are an inevitable part of any industry.  He said “In fact, it is indisputable in any transaction and having a robust framework to resolve them is crucial, and these guidelines aim to provide a clear and transparent mechanism for resolving conflicts within the communications sector promoting timely resolutions and ensuring that stakeholders are treated fairly.”

In her remarks the acting head of Legal and Regulatory Services Department of NCC, Chizua Whyte said the Public Inquiry underscores NCC’s commitment to regulatory excellence and to building a robust communications sector that supports the Nigerian economy.

The public inquiry is in accordance with the Communications Act 2003, which empowers the commission to develop and amend regulatory instruments. It also opens opportunities for inputs from stakeholders, which are crucial in refining these regulations to address the sector’s evolving challenges.

The event is part of NCC’s consultative approach to getting inputs from industry stakeholders as a way of ensuring transparency and inclusivity in its development of any regulatory instrument.