The Nigerian Communications Commission has presented its 2024 Regulatory Impact Assessment, a comprehensive review aimed at overhauling existing telecom regulations to meet the demands of rapidly evolving technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

The report, unveiled at a hybrid seminar attended by telecom operators, policy experts, civil society groups, and consumer advocates, focused on key regulatory domains including licensing, SIM registration, subscriber management, spectrum trading, enforcement procedures, and infrastructure sharing.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the assessment as a major step in the Commission’s efforts to modernize its rule-making processes and ensure participatory engagement with all stakeholders.

“This is an innovation in the Commission’s regulatory toolkit — a critical opportunity to assess our current laws, remove obsolete provisions, and adapt to new market realities,” Maida said.

Structured around three strategic pillars — the consumer, the market, and the government — the assessment is designed to ensure the NCC’s regulatory framework supports innovation, encourages investment, and enhances consumer protection.

“Consumers are at the centre of our priorities. Our goal is to ensure regulations ultimately lead to better service quality and satisfaction,” Maida said.

The RIA also evaluated how current regulations influence market dynamics — particularly regarding fair competition, efficient resource utilization, and reducing barriers to market entry for new players. It further assessed alignment with national policy objectives on digital inclusion and economic development.

Maida noted that the eight subsidiary legislations under review will directly impact areas such as licensing obligations, compliance standards, consumer rights, and spectrum management.

“As new technologies emerge, our regulatory response must be agile and forward-looking,” he said. “The essence of the RIA is to create room for stakeholder input, enabling us to safeguard public interest while fostering innovation.”

Stakeholders were invited to offer candid feedback, with Maida emphasising that such collaboration is vital to shaping policies that reflect industry realities. “Let us scrutinise the report rigorously, listen to diverse perspectives, and remain focused on our goal — building a fair and sustainable telecom market.”

He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness, adding that the Commission remains dedicated to promoting a consumer-centric environment that keeps pace with global trends.