By The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said the suspension of issuance of the three telecoms licences namely: Interconnect Exchange Licence, Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence was in the interest of the telecoms industry.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida told industry players today at a ‘Public Inquiry on the Three Regulatory Instruments’ that the 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.”
According to him, the instruments are vital in ensuring the communications sector meets the demand of the ever-evolving digital age noting that the .first regulatory instrument, which is the ‘Telecommunications Networks Interconnect Regulations’ plays a vital role in enabling seamless communication between two different networks, and facilitating the growth of the communication industry in Nigeria.
Maida said that “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.”
On the second instrument, ‘Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators’, Maida .observed that “as the industry continues to evolve, there are main instances where disconnection of operators becomes necessary, and 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.”
He disclosed that the Guidelines for Dispute Resolution would be also reviewed stressing, “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.”
In her address, Ag. Head of Legal and Regulatory Services Department of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte said that 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.”
she said that the Public Inquiry underscores the commitment of the NCC to regulatory excellence and to building a robust communications sector that supports the Nigerian economy.
