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The Nigerian Communications Commission announced on Tuesday that it is updating important regulatory documents regulating Nigeria’s telecommunications sector to tackle new challenges in the digital environment and ensure that service providers adhere to more rigorous guidelines regarding internet usage, data security, and online safety.

The Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, stated that the action was essential to keep up with fast technological advancements that have “transformed communications and are challenging traditional ideas.”

Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner of Stakeholder Management at the NCC, Rimini Makama, made this statement in Abuja during the Public Inquiry regarding three subsidiary laws—the Licensing Regulations, Enforcement Processes Regulations, and the Internet Code of Practice.

He stated that the investigation sought to improve current regulations to keep the communications sector effective, competitive, and adaptable to new difficulties.

He said, “The importance of this event cannot be overstated, as the relevance and function of these regulatory tools are crucial to the smooth and effective operations of the communications sector in support of the Commission’s regulatory objectives.”

Maida stated that the updated Internet Code of Practice, which will now serve as a guideline, represents Nigeria’s changing digital environment and is designed to protect users’ rights while requiring service providers to maintain the highest levels of ethical and technical behavior.

The guideline “incorporates strong measures such as open internet access, cybersecurity and data protection, the application of artificial intelligence by service providers, online safety for children, network management, and anti-spam policies,” he remarked.

He mentioned that the changes to the licensing and regulatory enforcement rules were intended to facilitate business operations, foster innovation, enhance adherence to regulations, and maintain national security.

“The updated licensing rules simplify the licensing procedure, define responsibilities more clearly, and add new guidelines regarding general authorizations, license renewals, corporate changes and transfers, penalties, and enforcement methods,” he mentioned.

Earlier, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the Commission, Mrs Chizua Whyte, through the NCC’s Head of Dispute and Litigation, Lawrence Abang, stated that the regulatory changes are part of the commission’s responsibility to establish a dynamic and safe telecommunications market that serves all parties involved.

She mentioned that the updated Enforcement Procedures Regulations would enhance the commission’s capacity to handle repeated violations, including pre-registered SIM cards and call spoofing, while also increasing the range of compliance responsibilities imposed on service providers.

Adherence to the established rules, guidelines, and processes set by the commission is a key component of our regulatory responsibility.

This directive needs to be supported by the required legal framework implemented through a suitable process in order to prevent and dissuade breaches of the established regulations.

This rule promotes adherence while providing assurance to involved parties regarding the safeguarding of their interests and market stability by implementing appropriate penalties and charges when necessary.

The suggested changes aim mainly to enhance the rigorous compliance requirements imposed on operators and broaden the range of coverage in light of innovative concepts and advancing technological developments.

This will create a more thorough structure and enhance the current system to guarantee the safety of operators and customers,” Whyte stated.

She mentioned that the licensing system was also being revised to support advancements and emerging business approaches, pointing out that the changes would “enhance investor trust and promote groundbreaking concepts within the industry.”

Whyte mentioned that the updated Internet Code of Practice marked an important move in tackling online harms, false information, and material that might pose risks to vulnerable individuals.

The web today serves as the platform or entry point through which many services have moved into the digital realm and now functions as a channel for information and offerings.

The web has established a worldwide community, making everything and everyone easily accessible to one another, eliminating the obstacles of distance, challenges, and legal intricacies.

Nevertheless, this progress also brings with it important factors that, if not properly controlled, can unfairly put vulnerable individuals at risk from societal dangers like crime, identity fraud, offensive content, hate speech, and false information, among others.

“This device aims to ensure that all service providers offering this access point establish specific frameworks to reduce vulnerability to the aforementioned problems. This will help in upholding social standards, customs, and safeguarding children and those who are at risk, along with numerous other benefits,” she stated.

The NCC stated that the changes were part of a six-month consultation period with important stakeholders and emphasized the Commission’s dedication to fair and open regulation.

The PUNCH’s findings indicated that the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement Procedures, etc.) Regulations 2005 came into effect in 2005 and establish the structure through which the NCC can oversee licensees, examine violations, and apply penalties.

The 2019 Licensing Regulation was released in January 2019 and oversees the issuance, extension, transfer, and reorganization of communication licenses in Nigeria according to the NCC’s responsibilities.

The 2019 Internet Code of Practice regulates internet service providers in Nigeria, establishing guidelines for open access, data protection, network management, and children’s online safety, and is currently being revised in 2025.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).