By Eunice Orike
In it’s bid to improve the operations of the telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, has placed public inquiry in three vital regulatory instruments also known as subsidiary regulations.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida, made this known in Abuja during a two- day public inquiry into the review of the regulations.
He said that the significance of the event was part NCC’s consultative approach to getting input from industry stakeholders as a way of ensuring inclusivity in its development of any regulatory instrument.
According to him, the first Regulatory instrument is Telecommunications Networks Interconnect Regulations, which 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 and improve regulatory efficiency in the country”, he said.
Maida said that the second instrument to be reviewed is Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators. On this, he said where disconnection of operators becomes necessary these guidelines lay out the procedural framework through which such approvals are granted, ensuring that they are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.
Furthermore, he explained on the third instrument to be reviewed as Guidelines for Dispute Resolution, on this, Maida noted that disputes are an inevitable part of any industry.
He emphasised on the fact that, it was 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.
According to him, as disputes arise, we must evaluate and improve these guidelines to ensure they remain effective in resolving conflicts and promoting a stable telecommunications ecosystem.
The Executive Vice Chairman, speaking furthermore, also said the Nigerian communication commission NCC, as the independent regulatory authority for the communications industry in Nigeria, has always been Commited to promoting efficient, accessible and competitive telecom industry, ading that the regulatory instruments play a vital role in shaping the communication landscape, and it is essential to visit and refine them inorder to address emerging challenges, tends and opportunities.
In her address, the Acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services Department of the NCC, Chizua Whyte said as the communications industry evolves with emerging technologies, the regulatory instruments must adapt swiftly.
She said the commission’s collaborative efforts with stakeholders have driven significant advancements and will continue to propel the sector forward.
She, however, said the Public Inquiry underscores NCC’s commitment to regulatory excellence and to building a robust communications sector that supports the Nigerian economy.
