By Sarah Mohmoh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has declared a transformative shift in its regulatory approach with the unveiling of the first-ever Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) report on Subsidiary Legislation 2024, aimed at reshaping telecom regulations for improved service delivery, innovation, and sustainable sectoral growth.
Speaking at the official presentation of the RIA report on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Abuja, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, described the report as a landmark achievement and an “evolutionary change” in the Commission’s rule-making processes.
“This Forum is not just the result of months of rigorous work, analysis, and stakeholder inputs,” Mrs. Whyte noted, “It is a reflection of our commitment to evidence-based regulation, continuous improvement, and a forward-looking regulatory environment.”
The RIA initiative, a first in the Commission’s history, is a comprehensive review of critical regulations governing the Nigerian telecom sector. It evaluates their effectiveness, identifies gaps, and proposes reforms to meet current and future needs.
Mrs. Whyte emphasized that the report enables the Commission and stakeholders to assess what works, what requires refinement, and where regulatory amendments are needed.
“The assessment focused on key areas such as licensing, SIM registration, subscriber management, spectrum trading, enforcement procedures, and infrastructure sharing,” she said.
“Through this review, we’ve identified ways to streamline regulatory processes, clarify industry obligations, and eliminate outdated provisions that may stifle innovation or deter investment.”
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the process, Whyte commended the contributions of industry stakeholders, noting that the depth and quality of engagement helped shape practical, meaningful recommendations.
“This RIA stands out for the depth of collaboration it entailed. We gathered insights not only through internal analysis but also through the constructive input of operators and stakeholders whose perspectives reflect ground realities,” she explained.
The Commission’s Legal and Regulatory Services Department played a pivotal role in executing the RIA, which Whyte described as a testament to NCC’s dedication to fostering transparency, fairness, and innovation in telecoms regulation.
“Our department has been at the forefront of this initiative, and I’m proud of our role in delivering a framework that will future-proof the telecom industry and improve service delivery,” she stated.
Looking ahead, she confirmed that the RIA findings will inform upcoming amendments to the Commission’s subsidiary legislation, ensuring that Nigeria’s regulatory instruments evolve in step with rapid technological advancement and policy priorities within the digital economy.
“The outcomes of this assessment will guide our regulatory reform agenda going forward. They provide the foundation for updating laws to align with current realities and future aspirations,” she added.
Mrs. Whyte urged continued collaboration from industry players as the Commission moves to implement the RIA findings.
“Let us remain engaged and committed as we work to build a regulatory framework that protects consumers, drives compliance, and enables sustainable national development,” she concluded.
The forum, attended by senior NCC officials, legal experts, telecom operators, and civil society stakeholders, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to regulatory excellence and inclusive sector governance.
