NCC Calls for Telecom Regulation Overhaul for AI Era

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has declared that the current telecommunications regulations are insufficient to cope with the rapid technological changes, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence (AI), satellite services, and cloud computing. This statement was made by Rimini Makama during a regulatory roundtable held in Abuja on Tuesday, alongside the ongoing 7th Ordinary Session of the Preparatory Committee of the African Telecommunications Union.

Makama noted that the telecommunications landscape has become significantly more complex, necessitating a regulatory approach that relies on data and market intelligence rather than traditional methods. She highlighted the importance of developing a regulatory ecosystem that integrates multiple data sources, including service quality and consumer complaints, to support evidence-based policymaking.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC's Executive Vice Chairman, also addressed the need for stronger collaboration among African regulators to tackle common challenges in the sector, emphasizing the importance of independent and accurate regulatory data.