By 
In what may seem at first like a routine regulatory disclosure, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has quietly initiated a transformative shift in the country’s telecom regulatory landscape—one designed to match the dynamism of Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy.
At the heart of this change is the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)—the Commission’s first comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of eight critical regulatory instruments shaping the telecommunications ecosystem.
Presenting the RIA report to a diverse gathering of stakeholders, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, described the initiative as more than just a compliance exercise.
“This is a transformational shift in how we create rules,” she said. “It’s about smarter, evidence-based regulation — not just process, but purpose.”
Recalibrating the Foundations
The assessment covered a broad spectrum of regulatory instruments, including:
- Annual Operating Levy Regulations (2022)
- Licensing Regulations (2019)
- Enforcement Processes Regulations (2019)
- Guidelines on SIM Registration, Spectrum Trading, SIM Replacement, National Roaming, and Infrastructure Sharing
This rigorous review went beyond conventional checks, interrogating whether current rules still serve their intended purpose or inadvertently hinder innovation and sectoral growth.
Among the findings was a 22.9% increase in levy collections following updates to the Annual Operating Levy Regulations—highlighting how strategic adjustments can yield measurable fiscal outcomes. However, a dip in compliance rates from 28% in 2022 to 26% in 2023 underscored areas where regulatory clarity and ease of compliance remain urgent needs.
Stakeholder-Centric, Not Command-Control
Breaking from traditional top-down policy practices, the RIA embraced a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach. The Commission actively engaged telecom operators, legal practitioners, policy analysts, and consumer rights groups in a transparent dialogue about reform priorities.
According to Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, the RIA reflects a modern regulatory philosophy focused on enabling—not constraining—innovation.
“This is not about enforcement for its own sake,” he noted. “It’s about building a regulatory environment that protects consumers, supports innovation, and aligns with national policy goals.”
Key recommendations from the RIA include:
- Adoption of tiered licensing models to accommodate emerging players and startups
- A clear compliance roadmap to reduce regulatory ambiguity
- Post-approval audits for spectrum trading transactions
- Increased use of digital tools in SIM-related processes
Adapting to a Rapidly Changing Market
With Nigeria at the forefront of digital transformation—marked by ongoing 5G deployment, the rise of smart infrastructure, and fintech innovation—the NCC recognises the need to future-proof its regulatory regime.
To this end, the Commission has pledged to:
- Institutionalise continuous regulatory evaluation
- Expand capacity-building programmes for both regulators and licensees
- Sustain multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusivity and alignment with evolving realities
As Mrs. Whyte aptly stated, “Regulation is no longer about control—it’s about enabling growth and safeguarding the future.”
A Blueprint for the Future
The NCC’s RIA initiative is more than an internal exercise—it is a strategic roadmap that recalibrates the regulatory environment to meet the demands of a digitally-driven society. It reflects a progressive stance on how regulation can evolve as a catalyst for market efficiency, consumer trust, and national development.
In embracing evidence-based policymaking and inclusive governance, the NCC is not only refining its regulatory instruments—it is reshaping the narrative of how Africa’s most populous nation governs its digital infrastructure.
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