Telecom Stakeholders Push for Stronger Legislation and Regulatory Independence in Nigeria’s Telecom Sector

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s telecom sector are calling for stronger legislative measures to safeguard the industry from excessive local interference and to ensure the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) retains its autonomy. This call came during a panel session organized by the NCC in Lagos, where industry leaders discussed the need to update the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. The participants emphasized the importance of protecting the NCC’s independence, especially in regulatory matters like pricing decisions, to foster industry growth and maintain service quality.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), voiced concerns over the rising number of state-level regulatory actions, citing a recent incident in Kogi State. He stressed that such interference disrupts service delivery and that stronger legislative provisions are needed to prevent conflicting state laws from undermining the telecom sector’s stability. Adebayo underscored the role of the NCC’s independence in the success of the industry.

Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, acknowledged that while the existing communications law has spurred growth, it no longer adequately addresses emerging challenges, including new technologies and global telecom trends. She called for updates to the Nigerian Communications Act, such as the inclusion of provisions on Over-the-Top (OTT) services, communication offences, and national infrastructure protection. She also proposed smarter licensing models to keep pace with the evolving industry.

In addition to regulatory concerns, service quality remained a key issue for operators. Damian Udeh, Associate Director at IHS, noted that while quality has improved, persistent challenges like power shortages and infrastructure gaps continue to impact service delivery. He urged the NCC to show greater empathy towards these operational challenges and adjust regulations accordingly to support the industry better.

Finally, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services Officer at MTN, suggested reforms to stimulate innovation in the sector, particularly for startups. He recommended implementing a sandbox regime to facilitate easier access to data for new companies. Okigbo also advocated for the NCC’s greater autonomy, drawing parallels with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and proposed merging regulatory agencies like the NCC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in the sector.

Source: Nairametrics