The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has organized a workshop for Attorneys-General of states to discuss emerging issues in the communications sector and drive synergy in regulating communications for digital transformation in Nigeria.
The workshop, themed “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria,” aims to identify and bridge knowledge gaps in regulatory frameworks and strengthen mechanisms for regulating communications in Nigeria.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, highlighted the challenges facing the communications sector, including multiple taxation and levies imposed by federal, state, and local authorities, wanton destruction of telecommunications infrastructure, and regulatory overlaps.
He emphasized the need for cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders to address these issues and ensure improved regulation of the communications sector for enhanced socio-economic development.
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, stressed the importance of synergy in regulating communications, citing the need for a Whole-of-Government approach to leverage the strengths of all institutions.
He noted that the workshop is designed to address pressing issues in the sector, including reviewing the Nigerian Communications Act, streamlining taxation, addressing regulatory overlaps, and protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
The workshop participants are expected to adopt strategies and mechanisms that enhance synergy in regulating communications for digital transformation in Nigeria.
These include legal and policy harmonization, creation of a Federal-State regulatory coordination forum, adopting uniform Right of Way (ROW) Policy Implementation, joint enforcement of laws that protect infrastructure, and consolidation of digital taxation framework.
The workshop aims to foster collaboration between the legal community and the regulatory ecosystem driving Nigeria’s digital future.
The NCC reiterated its committment to working with Attorneys-General to align regulatory actions with broader national goals and promote a transformed communications sector for enhanced socio-economic development.
Comment here