The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted the importance of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Report, for the growth and development of the Telecommunications Sector.
The commission disclosed this when it presented the report to industry stakeholders on Thursday.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, while presenting his Welcome Address at the Stakeholder Engagement Forum for the presentation of the Report of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) conducted on Eight Subsidiary Legislations by the Commission in 2024, stressed its essence for the sector.
Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the potential effects of proposed regulations before they are implemented. It helps policymakers understand the likely consequences, both positive and negative, of new or existing regulations on a sector, including its economic, social, and environmental impacts.
He said the the essence of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is to provide the telecommunications ecosystem with opportunities to participate in evaluating regulations which when drafted well, safeguard the public interest, stimulate innovations and facilitate investment in the Market.
According to him: “The RIA process provided major stakeholders with an opportunity to offer feedback, as well as recommend areas for review and improvement that will enhance legislations. These enhancements will ensure the effective application and implementation of these Subsidiary Legislations.”
The NCC boss disclosed that the process of the RIA took into consideration the three Strategic Focus Areas of the Commission.
“First, the Consumers. It goes without mention that the Commission places consumers at the centre of its regulation of the telecommunications industry. They are key to the issuance and implementation of our Subsidiary Legislations. It is therefore critical to the RIA process to review the impact of these legislations that border on consumer satisfaction and Quality of Experience (QoE).
“Secondly, the RIA aims to evaluate the impact of Subsidiary Legislations on licensees and the market—these are the second strategic focus area of the Commission. This evaluation is important in determining the adaptability and agility of these legislations in reducing barriers to market entrance, entrenching fair competition in the market and facilitating effective and efficient utilisation of scarce resources.
“The final strategic focus area that relates to the RIA is the Government—the overarching stakeholder and major driver of policies and national objectives. The RIA reviewed the impact and opportunities of these legislations on driving governmental objectives and meeting policy expectations,” Dr. Maida stated.
Dr Maida who restated the Commission’s commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and consumer-centric telecommunications landscape, noted: “Today’s discussions—on the report of the RIA, its outcomes and recommendations—are critical to refining our policies and ensuring that our regulatory approach aligns with the dynamic nature of the industry as well as shape regulatory practices for years to come.
“This engagement provides us an opportunity to look at the recalibration of the Commission’s strategic focus areas and determine whether the expectations of our major stakeholders are being met.”
He called on all stakeholders to stay focused on the ultimate objective of the RIA, which is to develop and build a regulatory framework that promotes growth and ensures market sustainability.
In her Opening Remarks, Head, Legal and Regulatory Services Department, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, also underscored the importance of the engagement and the presentation of the RIA report for the sector.
According to her, “This Forum is not just the results of months of rigorous work, analysis, and stakeholder input, but a reflection of our commitment to evidence-based regulation and continuous improvement. The RIA has served as a vital tool in assessing the efficiency and impact of key subsidiary legislations governing the Nigerian Communications Sector. As many of you are aware, the Commission has, over time, developed a range of regulations and guidelines to guide service delivery across the industry. However, with evolving technologies and policy priorities, it has become important to take a critical look at our existing regulatory instruments. The RIA process enabled us to evaluate what is working well, what requires enhancement, and where changes are necessary.”
She said the assessment focused on critical areas such as licensing, SIM registration, subscriber management, spectrum trading, enforcement procedures, and infrastructure sharing.
“Through this review, we have identified opportunities to streamline processes, clarify obligations and remove outdated provisions that may hinder innovation or investment.
“What distinguishes this RIA is the depth of collaboration it entails. We drew insights not only from internal analysis but also from the invaluable feedback of industry stakeholders. Their practical perspectives and constructive contributions helped shape the recommendations that we present today.
“As Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, I am proud of the role our department has played in championing this initiative. The successful completion of this RIA demonstrates our unwavering dedication to building a regulatory environment that supports innovation, fairness, and transparency.
“As we transition into the next phase, the outcomes of this assessment will guide the Commission’s regulatory review and reform agenda. They will form the basis for amending and updating relevant subsidiary legislation to better align with current realities and future aspirations,” she added.
