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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, Dr Aminu Maida, stated that the action was essential to keep up with swift 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 regulations: 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 able to address new difficulties.

He stated, “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 online 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 protocols,” he mentioned.

He mentioned that the changes to the licensing and enforcement rules were intended to enhance business operations, foster creativity, reinforce adherence to regulations, and ensure national security.

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

Earlier, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the Commission, Mrs. Chizua Whyte—represented by Mr. Lawrence Abang, Head of Dispute and Litigation at the NCC—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, regulations, and procedures set by the Commission is a fundamental aspect of our regulatory responsibility,” Whyte stated. “This responsibility must be supported by the appropriate legal framework implemented through a suitable mechanism to prevent and discourage breaches of the established guidelines.

This legislation promotes adherence to rules, while providing assurance to involved parties regarding the safeguarding of their rights and market consistency by implementing appropriate penalties and charges when necessary.

The suggested changes mainly aim to enhance the rigorous compliance requirements imposed on operators and broaden the range of coverage by taking into account innovative concepts and new and developing technology. This will create a more thorough structure and reinforce the current system to guarantee the safety of both operators and customers.

She stated that the licensing system was also being revised to support advancements and emerging business strategies, mentioning 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, misinformation, 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 world and now functions as a channel for information and services. The internet has established a global community, making everything and everyone closely connected, eliminating the obstacles of distance, challenges, and legal complexities.

Nevertheless, this progress also brings with it important factors that, if not properly controlled, can unfairly put vulnerable individuals at risk from societal threats 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, safeguarding children, and protecting those who are at risk, among 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.

Further research by The PUNCH reveals that the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement Procedures, etc.) Regulations 2005 were introduced 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, continuation, 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).