The NCC has begun a 2-day Public Inquiry into 3 regulatory instruments (also known as subsidiary regulations). During the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, spoke on the essence of the event.
Also, the Ag. Head of Legal and Regulatory Services Department of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte earlier welcomed participants to the event – both those who attended the Public Inquiry in-person and virtually.
The event is part of NCC’s consultative approach to getting inputs from industry stakeholders as a way of ensuring inclusivity in its development of any regulatory instrument.
In his speech, EVC said “The Nigerian Communications Commission, as the independent regulatory authority for the communications industry in Nigeria, has always been committed to promoting an efficient, accessible and competitive telecom industry. The public inquiry we are conducting today is a testament to the Commission’s dedication to transparency and inclusivity ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and considered.
According to him, “These regulatory instruments play a vital role in shaping our communications landscape and it is essential that we visit and refine them to address emerging challenges, trends and opportunities. The instruments that we considered during the course of this public inquiry are vital in ensuring the communications sector meets the demand of the ever-evolving digital age.
“The first Regulatory instrument in our agenda today is Telecommunications Networks Interconnect Regulations. As we all know, interconnection plays a vital role in enabling seamless communication between two different networks, and facilitating the growth of the communication industry in Nigeria. This review is crucial to keep pace with technological advancement, foster competition, protect consumer interest, align with international standards and improve regulatory efficiency in the industry.
“The second instrument to be reviewed is Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators. As the industry continues to evolve is the main instances where disconnection of operators becomes necessary this guidelines lay out the procedural framework through which such approvals are granted, ensuring that they are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.
“Lastly, we will be reviewing the guidelines for is Guidelines for Dispute Resolution. Disputes are an inevitable part of any industry. In fact, it is indisputable in any transaction and having a robust framework to resolve them is crucial, and these guidelines aim to provide a clear and transparent mechanism for resolving conflicts within the communications sector promoting timely resolutions and ensuring that stakeholders are treated fairly.
As disputes arise, we must evaluate and improve these guidelines to ensure they remain effective in resolving conflicts and promoting a stable telecommunications ecosystem.
On that note ladies and gentlemen, I invite participants to engage in meaningful and constructive discussions that will reflect the current needs and challenges of the Nigerian communications industry. Your various inputs will be invaluable in shaping the future of our telecommunications sector.
Concluding, Maida averred that “Together we can create an environment that inspires innovation, encourages fair competition and ultimately serves the best interest of all stakeholders.”
