NCC MOVES TO TIGHTEN TELECOM REGULATIONS, INTRODUCES NEW INTERNET, DATA PROTECTION RULES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a major overhaul of key regulatory frameworks guiding Nigeria’s telecommunications industry to address emerging risks in the digital ecosystem and enforce stricter standards on internet use, data protection, and online safety.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a public inquiry on three subsidiary legislations the Licensing Regulations, Enforcement Processes Regulations, and the Internet Code of Practice.
Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner of Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the reforms were crucial to keeping pace with rapid technological innovations that have “revolutionized communications and pushed the limits on established concepts.”
According to him, the review is aimed at refining existing laws to make Nigeria’s communications industry more efficient, competitive, and responsive to emerging challenges.
“The significance of this event cannot be overemphasized,” Maida stated. “These regulatory instruments are fundamental to the successful and seamless operation of the communications industry in furtherance of the Commission’s mandate.”
He noted that the revised Internet Code of Practice, now upgraded to a guideline, reflects the realities of Nigeria’s digital environment and seeks to safeguard users’ rights while ensuring that telecom operators uphold high ethical and technical standards.
The guideline, he explained, “introduces robust provisions including open internet access, cybersecurity and data protection, the use of artificial intelligence by operators, child online safety, network governance, and anti-spam measures.”
Maida added that amendments to the licensing and enforcement regulations were designed to enhance ease of doing business, promote innovation, ensure compliance, and strengthen national security.
“The revised licensing regulations streamline the licensing process, clarify obligations, and introduce new provisions on general authorisations, licence renewals, corporate restructuring, transfers, and sanctions,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the NCC’s Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, Mrs. Chizua Whyte—represented by the Head of Dispute and Litigation, Lawrence Abang—said the updates were part of efforts to create a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly communications sector.
She said the revised Enforcement Processes Regulations would boost the Commission’s ability to tackle recurring violations such as pre-registered SIM cards and call masking, while expanding the scope of compliance obligations for operators.
“Compliance with laid down rules and procedures is central to our regulatory mandate,” she noted. “These amendments will strengthen the Commission’s enforcement framework and reassure stakeholders of market stability through appropriate sanctions and deterrent measures.”
Whyte also highlighted that the revised Internet Code of Practice was a critical step toward combating online harms, misinformation, and content that threaten vulnerable users.
“The internet has become a gateway for numerous services, connecting people globally but also exposing them to risks such as cybercrime, identity theft, hate speech, and misinformation,” she said. “This regulation will ensure that operators adopt structures to protect children, vulnerable groups, and societal values.”
The NCC explained that the amendments followed a six-month stakeholder consultation and reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and inclusive regulation.
Findings showed that the Enforcement Processes Regulations were first enacted in 2005, the Licensing Regulation was last updated in 2019, and the Internet Code of Practice also published in 2019 is currently undergoing its first comprehensive review since inception.
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