NCC Unveils First Regulatory Impact Assessment to Modernise Telecom Regulations

NCC Unveils First Regulatory Impact Assessment to Modernise Telecom Regulations

ABUJA – June 26, 2025 — In a major move to reform Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory landscape, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled its first-ever Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) covering eight critical subsidiary legislations. The landmark event, held in Abuja, is seen as a strategic step toward aligning telecom regulations with technological advancement, evolving consumer needs, and market realities.

The forum brought together key stakeholders across the telecom industry, government institutions, and consumer advocacy groups to review the RIA findings and discuss their implications for policy reform and sectoral growth.

In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the significance of the RIA in shaping a more effective and future-ready regulatory framework.

“This engagement allows us to recalibrate our regulatory approach,” Dr. Maida said. “The RIA ensures our rules are not only effective but also adaptable—encouraging innovation and investment while protecting public interest.”

He explained that the assessment was carried out to evaluate the impact of existing regulations on consumer satisfaction, fair market access, competition, and national development priorities.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, described the RIA as an “evolutionary shift” in the Commission’s approach to rulemaking. She stressed the importance of evidence-based regulations, transparency, and continuous improvement.

“Our goal is to simplify procedures, clarify obligations, and eliminate outdated rules that could stifle innovation or deter investment,” Mrs. Whyte stated. She noted that the process incorporated both internal reviews and extensive stakeholder consultations, which she described as a model for future regulatory development.

Key areas reviewed in the RIA include licensing frameworks, SIM registration processes, subscriber data management, spectrum trading, enforcement protocols, and infrastructure sharing.

The forum featured comprehensive discussions on the proposed changes and how they will affect operators, consumers, and the broader economy. It also set the stage for the amendment of outdated rules to keep pace with Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem.

Reaffirming its commitment to a fair and forward-looking regulatory environment, the NCC emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader mission to support Nigeria’s digital economy agenda while ensuring that consumer rights and market integrity remain paramount.