NCC Explores Non-Monetary Sanctions To Bolster Telecom Compliance.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to introduce non-monetary sanctions for telecommunications licensees who fail to comply with regulatory obligations. This move, revealed by the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, aims to strengthen accountability and ensure operators adhere to standards that safeguard consumers and the industry’s integrity.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, Maida emphasised the NCC’s commitment to transitioning the telecom sector into a “maturity phase” where compliance is paramount. The proposed sanctions, which could include warnings, public notices, or temporary suspensions of certain operational privileges, are designed to deter violations without necessarily imposing financial penalties. This approach, Maida noted, aligns with the NCC’s mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to enforce regulations while fostering a competitive and fair market.
The initiative follows a series of enforcement actions by the NCC, including past sanctions against operators involved in practices like call masking, which disguises international calls as local ones to exploit price differences. The commission has previously barred numbers and suspended licences, as seen in the 2018 case against firms like Medallion Communications Limited, demonstrating its resolve to tackle malpractices.
Maida highlighted that non-monetary measures would complement existing enforcement tools, offering a balanced approach to address issues such as failure to meet service quality standards or obligations under licensing agreements. “We want to hold our licensees accountable while encouraging sustainable growth,” he stated, adding that the NCC is reviewing its regulatory framework to ensure sanctions are proportionate and effective.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the proposal, with the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) expressing support for measures that promote compliance without stifling innovation. However, some operators urged the NCC to ensure clear guidelines and transparent processes to avoid arbitrary enforcement.
The NCC’s surveillance programme, which identifies illegal operators and enforces compliance, will play a key role in implementing these sanctions. The commission also encourages public reports of suspected violations, reinforcing its collaborative approach to regulation.
As the NCC finalises its strategy, the telecom sector anticipates a more robust regulatory environment, with non-monetary sanctions expected to enhance service quality and consumer trust across Nigeria’s dynamic communications landscape.
