The Nigerian Communications Commission holding down the telecoms sector firmly

Nigeria’s communications sector is primarily regulated by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) and the Wireless Telegraphy Act (WTA). The NCA established the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which is charged with the responsibility of regulating the communications sector. The Minister of Communications Technology (the Minister) under the NCA is vested with the responsibilities of the formulation, determination and monitoring of the general policy for the communications sector in Nigeria with a view to ensuring, among other things, the utilisation of the sector as a platform for the economic and social development of Nigeria, the negotiation and execution of international communications treaties and agreements, on behalf of Nigeria, between sovereign countries and international organisations and bodies, and the representation of Nigeria, in conjunction with the NCC, at proceedings of international organisations and on matters relating to communications.

Under the NCA, the NCC is authorised to make and publish regulations and guidelines insofar as it is necessary to give effect to the full provisions of the NCA among other reasons.

The Nigerian telecommunication sector is the largest segment of the Information and Communication sector. Nigeria has one of the largest telecom markets in Africa and NCC contributes largely to its growth

Through policies developed by the telecoms regulator, the telecoms sector over the years has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy and the lives of Nigerians. The advancement of mobile phone usage from basic phone telephony to new enhanced services and the introduction of new technology within diverse sectors of the country have seen the sector grow massively.

The NCC need to continue to implement reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and national security, as well as ensuring more equitable distribution of telecoms’ economic benefits

To ensure long term growth and sustainability, the NCC need to continuously put more effort on creative and innovative ideas that will bring more investment, and ensuring that consumer needs are met and more enabling environment for the operators to function at optimal level.