NCC's two-day Public Inquiry into Three Regulatory Instruments Begins

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…Public inquiry, a testament to Commission’s dedication to transparency, inclusiveness – Maida

A two-day public inquiry into three regulatory instruments also known as subsidiary regulations has started by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, on Tuesday.

The event, at the NCC Headquarters, Abuja is part of NCC’s consultative means to get input from industry stakeholders in order to ensure inclusiveness in developing regulatory instruments.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, at event, observed that the commission, as a regulatory body for the communications industry in Nigeria, has been committed to promoting efficient, accessible and competitive telecom industry.

He emphasised that the public inquiry which the Commission is conducting is a testament to the Commission’s dedication to transparency and inclusivity ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders were heard and considered.

He stressed that the regulatory instruments play a vital role in shaping the communications landscape, adding that “it is essential that we visit and refine them to address emerging challenges, trends and opportunities.

“The instruments that we considered during the course of this public inquiry are vital in ensuring the communications sector meets the demand of the ever-evolving digital age.

“The first Regulatory instrument in 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 communicationd industry in Nigeria. This review is crucial to keep pace with technological advancement, foster competition, protect consumer interest, align with international standards and improve regulatory efficiency in the industry.

“The second instrument to be reviewed is Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators. As the industry continues to evolve is the main instances where disconnection of operators becomes necessary this guidelines lay out the procedural framework through which such approvals are granted, ensuring that they are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.

“Lastly, we will be reviewing the guidelines for is Guidelines for Dispute Resolution. Disputes are an inevitable part of any industry. In fact, it is indisputable in any transaction and having a robust framework to resolve them is crucial, and 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.”

He assured that, “As disputes arise, we must evaluate and improve these guidelines to ensure they remain effective in resolving conflicts and promoting a stable telecommunications ecosystem.”

He said participants should engage in meaningful and constructive discussions that would reflect the current needs and challenges of the NCC, reminding them that their various inputs would be invaluable in shaping the future of the Nigerian telecommunications sector.

“Together we can create an environment that inspires innovation, encourages fair competition and ultimately serves the best interest of all stakeholders”, he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Head, Legal & Regulatory Services, NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, recalled that the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 empowered the Commission to develop and amend regulatory instruments.

She also assured that their input is crucial in refining those regulations to address the sector’s evolving challenges.

She stressed that the communication industry is evolving with emerging technologies, adding that the Commission’s 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;” she stated.