NCC strengthens regulatory oversight to boost telecom compliance, service quality

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is introducing non-monetary sanctions as part of a broader strategy to enhance regulatory compliance and improve service delivery within the country’s telecom industry.

This move marks a significant shift from traditional financial penalties, aiming instead to implement more balanced, effective measures against erring operators.

The new initiative builds on a track record of enforcement actions by the NCC, including notable crackdowns on malpractices such as call masking—a scheme where international calls are disguised as local ones to exploit pricing gaps.

One of the most prominent examples occurred in 2018 when the commission sanctioned several companies, including Medallion Communications Limited, for engaging in these deceptive practices.

The NCC responded with stern measures, including barring offending numbers and suspending licences, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on regulatory breaches.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized that the upcoming non-monetary sanctions will complement existing enforcement tools. These may include licence suspensions, operational restrictions, or public naming of non-compliant operators.

“We want to hold our licensees accountable while encouraging sustainable growth,” Maida said.

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He added that the NCC is currently reviewing its regulatory framework to ensure that all sanctions—whether financial or non-monetary—are proportionate, fair, and effectively serve their intended purpose.

The industry has largely reacted positively to the proposal. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) expressed its support, noting that well-crafted non-monetary sanctions could promote compliance while still allowing room for innovation.

However, some telecom operators cautioned the NCC to provide clear guidelines and transparent procedures to prevent arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.

Central to the successful rollout of these new measures is the NCC’s surveillance programme, which identifies illegal operators and enforces compliance.

The commission also relies on public reports to flag potential violations, underscoring a collaborative, citizen-inclusive approach to regulation.

As the NCC finalizes the implementation of its strategy, the telecom sector is preparing for a more robust regulatory landscape.

Industry observers believe that the integration of non-monetary sanctions will not only improve accountability among telecom operators but also enhance service quality and rebuild consumer trust in Nigeria’s fast-evolving communications industry.