NCC Unveils Regulatory Impact Assessment Report, Highlights Gains for Telecom Sector

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled the findings of its Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on Subsidiary Legislation 2024, marking a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline regulations in the nation’s telecommunications sector.

The presentation, held in Abuja, was part of the Commission’s drive to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in its rulemaking processes. The RIA assessed the efficiency, relevance, and impact of key subsidiary legislations covering licensing, SIM registration, subscriber management, spectrum trading, enforcement procedures, and infrastructure sharing.

Speaking during the unveiling, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, said the assessment aligns with the Commission’s strategic focus on three core pillars—consumers, licensees and market dynamics, and government objectives.

“It goes without mention that the Commission places consumers at the centre of its regulation of the telecommunications industry. They are key to the issuance and implementation of our Subsidiary Legislations,” Maida stated. He emphasized that the RIA thoroughly evaluated how existing legislations impact consumer satisfaction and Quality of Experience (QoE).

The EVC further noted that the RIA offers a structured approach to reviewing outdated or inefficient provisions, thereby creating an enabling environment for innovation, fair competition, and optimal resource utilization.

The Commission described the RIA as a tool not only for regulatory introspection but also for inclusive stakeholder engagement. According to Maida, the process provided a valuable platform for consumers, industry players, and government agencies to contribute to the shaping of regulatory frameworks that both protect public interests and encourage sectoral growth.

In her remarks, Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, stressed the importance of continuous stakeholder collaboration. She noted that the outcome of the RIA will serve as a foundation for reviewing and updating existing subsidiary legislation to meet evolving industry and consumer demands.

“The goal is to build a regulatory environment that promotes fairness, transparency, and innovation,” Whyte said.

The forum concluded with a call for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance consumer trust, improve regulatory clarity, and ensure that the nation’s telecom regulations remain adaptable and forward-looking.

The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to participatory regulation and pledged that the insights from the RIA would guide future legislative amendments to better serve the needs of Nigeria’s dynamic telecommunications landscape.