Efficiency, competitiveness, priority of NCC – Dr Maida

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida said, the Commission places priority on efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness in the communications industry.

He stated this at public inquiry on 3 regulatory instruments which commenced on Tuesday at the NCC headquarters, Abuja.

According to him, the public inquiry plays a crucial role in shaping the industry value, hence, it was necessary to carry out the task in order to catch up with the emerging challenges in the industry.

Dr. Maida 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.

“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 communicational 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.”

In her speech at the occasion, the acting head of Legal and Regulatory Services of the NCC, Mrs Chizua Whyte stated that the public inquiry was a vital part of the Commission that create a dynamic communications sector.

She said: “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 empowers us to develop and amend regulatory instruments, and your input today is crucial in refining these regulations to address the sector’s evolving challenges.

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“The First is the Telecommunications Networks Interconnect Regulations. The proposed amendments aim to enhance compliance, provide a comprehensive interconnection framework, and improve monitoring systems.

“Interconnection fosters service delivery and market cohesion, ensuring operators have fair and non- discriminatory access.

“The Second is the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators. This framework ensures fairness, transparency, and certainty in disconnection procedures, protecting operators from unjustified disconnections and ensuring contractual obligations are honoured. This review will bolster investor confidence and promote healthy competition.

“The third is the Guidelines for Dispute Resolution. In line with section 73 of the act, effective dispute resolution is essential for resolving issues efficiently and fairly. The updated guidelines aim to streamline the process, save time, reduce costs, and minimize service disruptions, particularly for small claims. This will enhance stakeholder confidence in the resolution process.

“As the communications industry evolves with emerging technologies, our regulatory instruments must adapt swiftly. The Commission’s collaborative efforts with stakeholders have driven significant advancements and will continue to propel the sector forward.

“This Public Inquiry underscores our commitment to regulatory excellence and to building a robust communications sector that supports the Nigerian economy. We value your contributions and look forward to shaping a strong, dynamic industry together.”