The Nigerian Communications Commission has presented a comprehensive report on its 2024 Regulatory Impact Assessment, aimed at aligning existing telecom regulations with the fast-evolving technology landscape.

The assessment focused on critical areas within the telecoms sector, including licensing, SIM registration, subscriber management, spectrum trading, enforcement procedures, and infrastructure sharing.

It was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulations, identify outdated provisions, and propose updates that reflect current technological and market realities.

“This is an innovation in the Commission’s rule-making process and another avenue for participatory regulatory engagement with all stakeholders,” Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, said in a presentation on Thursday.

The hybrid and in-person gathering included telecom operators, policy experts, civil society groups, and consumer representatives. Maida explained that the RIA was structured around three strategic pillars: the consumer, the market, and the government, elements he described as the backbone of the Commission’s regulatory direction.

On the consumer front, Maida stated that the NCC’s ultimate goal is to improve end-user satisfaction and quality of experience. “It goes without saying that the commission places consumers at the centre of its regulatory priorities,” he said.

The RIA examined how the subsidiary legislations affect consumer protection and experience, while also assessing their impact on operators, particularly regarding barriers to entry, fair competition, and efficient resource utilization.

“This evaluation is crucial for determining how adaptable and agile our regulations are in promoting competition, lowering entry barriers, and ensuring effective use of scarce resources,” he added.

He noted that the RIA also reviewed the extent to which the regulations support Federal Government policy objectives, especially in promoting digital inclusion, innovation, and national development.

According to Maida, the assessment reflects the NCC’s renewed effort to ensure that stakeholders are actively involved in shaping regulatory outcomes.

“The essence of the Regulatory Impact Assessment is to give stakeholders across the telecoms ecosystem a chance to assess regulations. When drafted properly, these regulations safeguard the public interest, stimulate innovation, and attract investment,” he said.

He noted that stakeholders were invited to provide feedback and suggest improvements, with those inputs expected to shape future policy amendments.

“Today’s discussions on the RIA report and its recommendations are critical to refining our policies and ensuring our regulatory approach keeps pace with the industry’s dynamism,” he said. “This engagement allows us to reassess the commission’s strategic focus and determine whether we are meeting stakeholder expectations.”

The commission emphasised the importance of a transparent, inclusive rule-making process that keeps pace with technological advancements.

“Let us therefore scrutinise rigorously, listen to diverse viewpoints respectfully, and remain focused on the ultimate goal: building a regulatory framework that promotes growth and ensures market sustainability,” Maida stated.

He urged stakeholders to provide frank and constructive input, stressing that the future of telecom regulation in Nigeria relies on shared insights and sustained collaboration.

The eight subsidiary legislations under review are expected to shape critical regulatory areas such as consumer protection, licensing obligations, compliance frameworks, and resource allocation.

With the emergence of disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence, 5G, the Internet of Things, and digital platforms, the Commission said a flexible and forward-looking regulatory framework is essential.

“The commission remains committed to fostering a fair, transparent, and consumer-centric telecommunications environment,” Maida said, reaffirming the NCC’s goal of ensuring that regulation continues to support innovation, attract investment, and protect consumers.