NCC begins stakeholders engagement on telecom regulatory instruments

The Nigeria Communications Commission has initiated a two-day public inquiry into three critical regulatory instruments in the telecommunications sector.

This event, which commenced on Tuesday, brought together experts, stakeholders, and engaged citizens to discuss and refine key regulatory frameworks, the telecom regulator said in a statement on Tuesday.

This engagement follows the NCC’s suspension of the issuance of communication licences in three categories: mobile virtual network operator, interconnect exchange, and value-added service aggregator.

The announcement was made in a public notice by the Director of Public Affairs of the NCC, Reuben Muoka, last week.

The NCC stated that this decision aligns with its authority under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to grant and renew licenses, promote fair competition, and develop the communications industry.

Meanwhile, the gathering will review the regulatory instruments, which include the Telecommunications Network Interconnect Regulations, Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, and Guidelines for Dispute Resolution.

According to the NCC, these instruments were vital for maintaining the robustness and integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The NCC emphasized the importance of this gathering, highlighting the diverse perspectives and valuable insights contributed by participants.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, said the regulatory instruments play a vital role in shaping the country’s communications landscape, emphasizing the need to refine them to address emerging challenges, trends, and opportunities.

The NCC boss stated, “The first regulatory instrument on our agenda today is Telecommunications Networks Interconnect Regulations. As we all know, interconnection plays a vital role in enabling seamless communication between two different networks and facilitating the growth of the communications industry in Nigeria.

Maida said the review was crucial to keeping pace with technological advancement, fostering competition, protecting consumer interests, aligning with international standards, and improving regulatory efficiency in the industry.

Further, he noted, “The second instrument to be reviewed is Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators. As the industry continues to evolve, in the main instances 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 NCC chair said the regulator will be reviewing the guidelines for its Guidelines for Dispute Resolution.

According to him, disputes were an inevitable part of any industry, and having a robust framework to resolve them was crucial.

He expounded, “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.

The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services Department of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, stated, “As the communications industry evolves with emerging technologies, our regulatory instruments must adapt swiftly. The Commission’s collaborative efforts with stakeholders have driven significant advancements and will continue to propel the sector forward.

“This public inquiry underscores our commitment to regulatory excellence and to building a robust communications sector that supports the Nigerian economy. We value your contributions and look forward to shaping a strong, dynamic industry together,” Whyte said.