By Martin Ekpeke
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is considering potential reforms to the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) to ensure it remains relevant in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.
This initiative was a key focus of the first Annual Workshop for Attorneys-General, held in Lagos last week. The event, which convened legal officers from across the country, aimed to address pressing challenges in the communications sector, including legal, regulatory, fiscal, and operational issues.
In addition to reviewing the foundational law, the workshop also focused on several other critical issues:
- Streamlining Taxation: Participants discussed the problem of multiple and inconsistent taxes that discourage investment. The goal is to harmonize tax regimes and create a more growth-friendly environment.
- Addressing Regulatory Overlaps: The workshop explored reforms to improve coordination and provide legal clarity among different government agencies.
- Protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII): Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2024 Executive Order, the event focused on operationalizing a new framework to secure vital communications infrastructure. This framework involves collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other key stakeholders.
The workshop’s theme, “Building and Driving Synergy in Regulating Communications for the Digital Transformation of Nigeria,” highlighted the NCC’s belief that effective regulation requires a unified approach.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, noted that the event was a “significant milestone” in fostering collaboration between the legal community and the regulatory ecosystem. He thanked the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his presence, which he said demonstrated the government’s commitment to “institutional synergy and policy cohesion.”
Dr. Maida stressed the crucial role of Attorneys-General as “chief law officers and policy influencers” in shaping legal frameworks that promote “fairness, accountability, and long-term stability.” He concluded by stating his hope that the workshop would be “just the beginning” of a continuous dialogue leading to stronger partnerships and better outcomes for all Nigerians.