By Elvis Eromosele
In a bold and forward-thinking move, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled the findings of its first-ever Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on eight subsidiary legislations guiding Nigeria’s dynamic telecoms sector. This strategic assessment is not just another regulatory checkbox; it represents a seismic shift in how Nigeria is regulating one of its most vital sectors.
On June 26, 2025, stakeholders gathered in Abuja to witness what many have called a landmark in regulatory reform. The event, themed around the presentation of the 2024 RIA Report, brought together operators, policymakers, legal experts, and consumer advocates. It was a day of data, dialogue, and deliberate steps toward building a more transparent and inclusive regulatory framework.
The welcome address by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, underscored the essence of the RIA initiative. With clarity and conviction, he spoke of the three-fold focus of the Commission, consumers, licensees, and the government.
“The Commission places consumers at the centre of its regulatory ecosystem,” Maida declared, reiterating that every regulation must enhance Quality of Experience (QoE), encourage market fairness, and align with national policy goals.
It’s easy to underestimate how complex telecom regulation can be. From SIM card registrations to spectrum trading, each guideline carries weighty implications for innovation, competition, and consumer protection. The RIA process examined how existing laws were working, or failing, in real-world settings.
Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, elaborated on the rigorous review process. “This isn’t just a desk review,” she explained. “We worked closely with 206 licensees across various regulations, listening to concerns and gathering practical suggestions.”
The RIA assessed eight critical frameworks:
- Annual Operating Levy (AOL) Regulations, 2022: While AOL collection increased by 22.9 per cent post-2022 revisions, compliance rates slightly dropped, suggesting enforcement inconsistencies. Recommendation: expand levy coverage and create a compliance roadmap.
- Licensing Regulations, 2019: Stakeholders pushed for more flexibility for start-ups, calling for tiered licensing and better rollout timelines.
- Enforcement Processes Regulations, 2019: Although clarity was acknowledged, gaps in prosecutorial capacity and fine schedules were flagged.
- SIM Registration Regulations, 2022: While rules are clear, challenges remain with Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIMs and multiple NIN issues. Self-service options are recommended.
- Spectrum Trading Guidelines, 2022: The 70 per cent Net Proceeds remittance requirement raised eyebrows. Post-approval compliance mechanisms are urgently needed.
- SIM Replacement Guidelines, 2022: Suggestions include easing NIN validation and expanding self-service and non-physical options.
- National Roaming Guidelines, 2021: Concerns on trial approvals and congestion management led to calls for more adaptable guidelines.
- Infrastructure Sharing Guidelines, 2021: Current studies on competition in this space may inform future amendments.
One of the standout elements of this RIA process is its participatory nature. The NCC did not regulate in isolation. It welcomed feedback, criticism, and ideas from licensees, legal teams, policy advisers, and technical experts.
This collaboration speaks volumes. Regulation in the digital age cannot be static. It must evolve with innovation, market realities, and consumer expectations. As technology disrupts traditional communication methods, the rules governing the industry must remain agile.
For the average Nigerian, the telecom sector is more than just cell towers and call minutes. It’s the backbone of digital banking, e-learning, e-commerce, and even public safety. Regulatory clarity ensures seamless connectivity, consumer trust, and investor confidence.
The NCC’s RIA initiative positions Nigeria as a leader in regulatory innovation across Africa. By focusing on transparency, inclusiveness, and continuous improvement, the Commission is laying the groundwork for a sector that works for everyone, providers, policymakers, and most importantly, the people.
The next steps are clear. The NCC will begin implementing the RIA recommendations through legislative revisions, capacity building, and periodic reviews. Stakeholders will continue to play a central role in shaping the sector’s direction.
As Dr. Maida aptly concluded: “Let us scrutinise rigorously, listen to diverse viewpoints respectfully, and stay focused on the ultimate objective, to build a regulatory framework that promotes growth and market sustainability.”
In a time when the world is watching how nations prepare for the next digital revolution, Nigeria’s NCC is showing that smart regulation is not just possible, it’s essential.
