The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the legal community and the regulatory ecosystem driving Nigeria’s digital future.
The commission hosted the 1st Annual Workshop for Attorneys-General on Emerging Issues in the Communications Sector, which took place in Lagos.
The workshop, themed “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria,” was aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues in the sector including review of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003), the strengths, limitations, and areas for reform to ensure the act remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving digital age, streamlining taxation in the communications sector, issues of multiple and inconsistent taxes that continues to deter investment, and exploring ways to harmonize tax regimes and remove disincentives to growth.
The issues of regulatory overlaps was not left out as the workshop discussed reforms that enhance coordination and legal clarity across agencies, reducing confusion and inefficiencies.
Further more the protection of critical national information infrastructure, Following the 2024 Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the designation of communications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) which provides a new framework for collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders took the center stage.
In a welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy in regulating the communications sector and noted that collaborative, forward-looking regulation is essential to sustaining innovation and inclusive digital growth.
Dr Maida said that the NCC is committed to working with Attorneys-General to align regulatory actions with broader national goals and pointed out that the strategic role of Attorneys-General in shaping an enabling legal environment where technology and governance work in tandem.
The workshop according to the EVC was aimed at promoting mutual understanding and joint problem-solving, leading to stronger partnerships and better outcomes for the Nigerian people.
In a keynote address, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, called for synergy and cooperation among stakeholders in regulating the communications sector to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
The AGF emphasized the importance of collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, including the three arms of government, to address these challenges. He called on the legislature to review and strengthen laws that protect infrastructure and support the communications sector, while the executive reinforces measures aimed at implementing these laws. The judiciary, he noted, is also a key stakeholder in ensuring offenders and saboteurs face the full wrath of the law.
Fagbemi recommended several strategies to enhance synergy in regulating communications for digital transformation in Nigeria. These include: Legal and policy harmonization including harmonizing laws and policies to eliminate conflicts and inconsistencies, creation of a Federal-State regulatory coordination forum*: Establishing a forum to facilitate coordination and cooperation between federal and state regulatory agencies, adopting uniform Right of Way (ROW) Policy Implementation.
Implementing a uniform ROW policy to facilitate the rollout of broadband infrastructure, joint enforcement of laws that protect infrastructure*: Collaborating to enforce laws that protect infrastructure and prevent destruction and Consolidation of digital taxation framework, Developing a consolidated digital taxation framework to eliminate multiple taxation and levies.
He emphasized the critical role of Attorneys-General in driving synergy in regulating the communications sector. He noted that Attorneys-General are uniquely placed to advise their respective governments on policies that affect the digital economy, ensure that laws and enforcement actions are constitutionally sound, and support dispute resolution mechanisms that prevent prolonged litigation.
The Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee Taiwo Oyedele made a presentation titled “” Streamlining Taxation In The Communication Sector, Strategies For Harmonising Federal and State Tax Policies and Legislation ,,”.
The workshop brought together Attorneys-General from across the country to share insights and expertise, promoting a Whole-of-Government approach to regulating the communications sector.
The NCC’s workshop for Attorneys-General marks a significant step towards promoting collaboration and synergy in regulating the communications sector. By addressing emerging issues and challenges, the workshop aimed to promote a more effective and efficient regulatory framework, driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and promoting inclusive growth.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike