The Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), which is the primary regulatory instrument of the Nigerian telecommunications industry, is being considered for review after 22 years.
This was disclosed by Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) while given a keynote address at the recently held 2nd International Conference of the Association of Media and Communications Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).
Represented by Ismail Adedigba, NCC’s Director, Research and Development, the EVC, in his address titled: Influence of Communication Policies on Digital Revolution in Nigeria, ascribed the proposed review to the rapid developments in the digital space.
He said: “The NCA, which is the primary regulatory instrument for the telecommunications sector and is now being considered for a review considering the rapid developments in the digital space, provides a firmer foundation upon which the telecom sector rode to prominence and impact in the last 22 years.
“Suffice it to say, that between 2001 and now, Nigeria emplaced several forward-looking policy and regulatory initiatives that have consistently put Nigeria on the path of digital innovation and growth.”
Danbatta said there is an inseparable convergence and intersections between Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/telecommunications, and the Media of Mass Communication.
“Indeed, ICT/telecommunications and Mass Communication are like Siamese twins when we consider how the former has continued to change the landscape of the latter, both from practical, theoretical, pedagogical perspectives.
“For instance, live events and real-time reporting are now possible, thanks to technological advancement in communication.
“With ICT, communication is fast, precise and well-targeted. Without these revolutionary changes, mass communication would not be as effective as the world knows it.”
The NCC boss emphasised the place of right policies and effective regulations in ensuring the development of the telecoms sector and its ripple effects on other sectors of the economy.
Going down the memory lane, he said: “The promulgation of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Decree 75 of 1992, marked a turning point in the trajectory of communication policy formulation and enabling laws in our clime.
“The NCC’s main objectives at inauguration in 1993, include: Creating a regulatory environment to facilitate the support of telecommunications services and facilities; facilitating the entry of private entrepreneurs into the telecommunications market; and promoting fair competition and efficient market conduct among all players in the industry.
“As a natural consequence, guidelines were set out for private sectors participation and issuance of licensees to several companies to play in different segments of the Nigerian telecom market.
“In 2001, the Commission embarked on full deregulation of the market with the issuance of the Digital Mobile Licence (DML) to two private operators, thus breaking the monopoly of the historical sectoral operator, Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).
“Today, as you may also be aware, the telecom industry has recorded tremendous growth in all segments of the market.
“The industry has witnessed quite impressive statistics, pointing to how telecommunications policy and decisions of the government have continued to influence the growth of Nigeria’s digital revolution marked by positive multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy.”
At the close of his address, Danbatta emphasised the importance of the digital revolution, fueled by the diligent implementation of telecommunication policies, in the Mass communication industry.
According to him, digital revolution provides tools for communications, creates room for accelerated communication, makes mass communication more affordable, diversifies communication, and enhances free access to information.
