In a significant step toward evidence-based regulation and improved industry governance, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, presented the outcome of its Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on eight key subsidiary legislations introduced in 2024.
The stakeholder forum, held in Abuja, featured opening remarks by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, and a welcome address by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the Commission. The event provided an opportunity for industry players to engage with the findings and recommendations of the RIA process, which is considered a major evolution in the Commission’s rule-making procedures.
Dr. Maida described the RIA as a strategic tool that aligns with the Commission’s three core focus areas—consumers, licensees, and the government. He stated that the process was designed to assess how the subsidiary legislations affect consumer satisfaction and Quality of Experience (QoE), market competition, and the attainment of national policy objectives.
“Today’s discussions are critical to refining our policies and ensuring that our regulatory approach aligns with the dynamic nature of the industry,” he said. “We must develop and build a regulatory framework that promotes growth and ensures market sustainability.”
Dr. Maida noted that the assessment invited broad feedback from stakeholders, helping to identify areas of improvement and adaptation in order to foster innovation, investment, and a transparent telecommunications landscape.
Mrs. Whyte, in her welcome remarks, emphasised that the RIA marks a turning point in the Commission’s regulatory evolution. She explained that the process involved a deep evaluation of several regulatory instruments related to licensing, SIM registration, subscriber management, spectrum trading, enforcement procedures, and infrastructure sharing.
“This RIA is first of its kind and an evolutionary change to the rule-making processes of the Commission,” she said. “The outcomes of this assessment will guide the Commission’s regulatory review and reform agenda, ensuring our frameworks remain effective, relevant, and forward-looking.”
She also highlighted the depth of stakeholder collaboration that shaped the RIA’s recommendations. “Through this review, we have identified opportunities to streamline processes, clarify obligations, and remove outdated provisions that may hinder innovation or investment,” she noted.
A detailed presentation was made at the forum, focusing on the eight regulatory instruments evaluated during the RIA. The presentation underscored how the assessment has provided clear insights into the impact of the existing legislations and offered targeted recommendations for improving regulatory effectiveness and adaptability.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement, transparency, and data-driven decision-making as it works to strengthen its regulatory oversight in the telecommunications sector.
Participants were encouraged to engage actively, share feedback, and contribute to shaping a regulatory environment that supports national development, protects consumers, and enhances market competitiveness.