The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the process of reviewing three major regulatory instruments — the Licensing Regulations, Enforcement Processes, and the Internet Code of Practice — to align with current developments in the communications industry.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholders Management, Barrister Rimini Makama, announced the move on Tuesday. He explained that the review was necessary to ensure Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive, transparent, and responsive to global technological changes.
Dr. Maida said the revised Internet Code of Practice, which will now operate as a guideline, reflects the country’s rapidly evolving digital environment. The new provisions aim to protect user rights while mandating service providers to maintain high ethical and technical standards. The revised document, he added, will introduce stronger measures on open internet access, cybersecurity, data protection, child online safety, artificial intelligence deployment, network governance, and anti-spam controls.
Speaking further, he said the enforcement process regulations were being updated to adapt to a converged and technology-driven global market. “As the industry advances, enforcement mechanisms must evolve to ensure fair, effective, and technology-aware regulation,” he stated.
On the licensing framework, the EVC noted that licensing remains central to the NCC’s operations, as it provides the legal basis for the issuance, renewal, and oversight of all telecommunications services in Nigeria. He added that the revised licensing regulations will simplify procedures, clearly define operators’ obligations, and introduce new provisions on authorisations, renewals, sanctions, and transfers of ownership. These changes, according to him, are intended to promote ease of doing business, foster innovation, and ensure regulatory clarity.
The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, emphasised that the review aligns with the Commission’s mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which empowers it to create and amend regulatory instruments. She explained that the public inquiry forms part of the NCC’s participatory approach to governance, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute to shaping the future of the industry.
Whyte added that the communications sector is experiencing rapid transformation driven by digital innovation and emerging technologies, and that the updated regulations will provide a more agile and responsive framework to sustain growth in Nigeria’s digital economy.
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