Join our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone.
Join for News Updates ✕
Abuja.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled the findings of its first-ever Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) covering eight major subsidiary legislations that govern Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The presentation, held in Abuja on Thursday, marks a significant step toward modernising the country’s regulatory landscape in line with emerging technologies, market trends, and national policy priorities.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, described the RIA as “an evolutionary change in the Commission’s rule-making process.”
“This assessment is the product of rigorous analysis and stakeholder engagement. It reflects our commitment to evidence-based regulation and continuous improvement.
*The RIA allowed us to identify what is working, what needs enhancement, and where regulatory bottlenecks are stifling innovation or investment,”she said.
The reviewed instruments according to her,include:Annual Operating Levy Regulations (2022),Licensing Regulations (2019),Enforcement Processes Regulations (2019)nand Guidelines on SIM Registration, Spectrum Trading, National Roaming, SIM Replacement, and Infrastructure Sharing
Among the key insights: while the review of the Annual Operating Levy Regulations led to a 22.9% increase in levy collections, overall compliance dipped from 28% to 26% in 2023.
Other findings highlighted outdated provisions, lack of clarity in some regulations, and the need for more flexible licensing models,especially to accommodate startups.
Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, underscored that the RIA aligns with the Commission’s strategic focus on the consumer, the market, and government policy.
“The essence of the RIA is to provide the telecom ecosystem with a voice in regulatory evaluation and a.well-crafted regulations safeguard public interest, stimulate innovation, and attract investment,”Maida said. “
He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and consumer-focused telecom sector, noting that recommendations from the assessment will directly inform future reforms.
Among the RIA’s key recommendations are: Introduced tiered licensing models to enhance inclusivity,Embed post-approval compliance reviews in spectrum trading,Expand non-physical options for SIM registration and replacement and develop ment of a clear compliance roadmap for operators
Others are plans for NCC in Looking ahead to:Deepen stakeholder engagement,
Boost capacity building for regulators and operators and
Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of regulatory tools
The Commission restated its pledge to evolve with the fast-changing digital landscape by crafting flexible, innovation-friendly, and consumer-protective policies that will drive Nigeria’s telecom growth.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
Strategic Media Partnership for Growth and Reputation: Introducing The Reporters
The Reporters is a dynamic online news publication committed to delivering credible, timely, and impactful journalism across Nigeria and beyond. With a strong foundation in professional reporting and editorial integrity, the platform focuses on social, economic, political, and human development issues that shape public discourse. Backed by decades of journalistic experience, The Reporters offers a trusted voice that informs, educates, entertains, and influences a diverse and engaged audience.
For members of the business community, The Reporters provides a strategic platform to enhance visibility, build brand credibility, and connect with target markets. Through well-crafted news, features, interviews, sponsored content, and digital amplification, businesses can showcase their products, services, and innovations to a wider audience. This engagement not only drives patronage but also positions organisations as key contributors to economic growth and development.
Political actors and aspirants also stand to benefit significantly from partnering with The Reporters. As the 2027 elections approach, the platform offers an opportunity for politicians to effectively communicate their vision, programmes, and track records to the electorate. Through balanced profiling, issue-based coverage, and reputation management content, The Reporters helps shape public perception and strengthens candidates’ connection with voters.
Beyond visibility, The Reporters plays a crucial role in image laundering and perception management, presenting clients in a favourable, credible, and issue-driven light while maintaining ethical standards. By highlighting achievements, clarifying controversies, and projecting leadership qualities, the platform supports politicians in building trust and acceptance among constituents, which are critical assets in any electoral contest.
Engaging with The Reporters is therefore not just about publicity, it is about strategic communication for mutual benefit. Partners gain access to a credible media channel with the wide reach of The Reporters while it continues to fulfill its mandate of promoting development-oriented narratives. We invite stakeholders in both business and political spheres to collaborate with us in shaping informed opinions, driving growth, and advancing democratic engagement.
Prospective clients can reach us via WhatsApp: 08032901058 or email: ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
- Management
