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NCC overhauls regulatory instruments, management tools for operational efficiency
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it is adjusting regulatory instruments and management tools to ensure regulations are fit for future imperatives of a robust telecoms sector.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM), NCC, Adeleke Adewolu, stated this when he spoke at a panel session at the 2021 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Port Harcourt. The general theme of the Conference is, ‘Taking the Lead’.
Adewolu, who made the declaration in a panel discussion focused on Government Regulation of Innovation and Technology, said, “In specific terms, we are taking action in the following areas: We are adjusting regulatory instruments and management tools to ensure regulations are fit for the future.
“An example is our ongoing review of the Telephone Subscriber Registration Regulations to strengthen the framework for digital identity; and the review of the Spectrum Trading Guidelines to ensure more efficient use of spectrum.”
Also, the ECSM said NCC is laying institutional foundations to enable co-operation with other regulatory institutions and international organisations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
The Commission, according to Adewolu, is also developing and adapting governance frameworks to enable the development of agile and future-proof regulation; and equally adapting regulatory enforcement activities to the “new normal”.
He said this is to ensure alignment with the rapid technological changes and innovations that are emerging at a high speed and with sophistication.
On censorship, particularly tackling illegal and harmful content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, Adeleke said NCC had to opt for “a middle ground that promotes safe use of digital service platforms without necessarily stifling the exercise of the citizen’s right to free expression as guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution.”
He explained that on technology platforms, censorship manifests in three scenarios, namely, restriction of person-to-person communications; restriction of Internet access generally; or restriction of access to specific content, which governments find objectionable.
This, he said, was pursuant to constitutional provisions such as those in Section 39(3) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, which approves “any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society to prevent the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of courts or regulating telephony, wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematograph films.”
In particular, Adewolu declared that the third scenario is globally recognised as the ideal situation because one of the core responsibilities of government (as enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution) is to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
Explicating further, Adewolu said that social media platforms allow instant communications without regard for impact or consequences. He insisted that self-regulation is possible, but “as we have experienced over and over again, an ill-considered post on social media can easily incite unrest and crises.”
He bemoaned the fact that leading social media platforms have demonstrated a rather unfortunate reluctance to moderate the use of their platforms for subversion and harm. “So, we cannot trust them to self-regulate,” he emphasised.
According to him, self-regulation has not been very effective, and interestingly, “the largest platforms are global platforms and many of them are protected by their home governments.
“For instance, “Sc.230 of US Communications Act provides immunity to firms like Facebook and Google from responsibility for content disseminated on their media, although they still apply fair usage and community rules which enables them to self-regulate.
“However, as we saw with the case of the former US President Donald Trump – people are often able to disseminate negative content for a while before they are cut off. Mr Trump had over 87 million followers he engaged directly with,” the ECSM stated.
Another example he cited happened just few days ago when CNN reported that Facebook deliberately failed to curb posts inciting violence in Ethiopia despite the fact that its own staff flagged such posts, and that Ethiopia is listed as a high-priority zone, which has been fighting a civil war for the past one year.
As Adewolu recalled, the UN Secretary General recently called for the regulation of social media platforms, and even the CEO of Facebook has made similar calls in the past.
“So, we cannot wholly depend on self-regulation. And whilst we cannot prevent citizens from freely expressing themselves on these platforms, it would be irresponsible for any government to allow unbridled use of these mediated communication to cause chaos and imperil lives and property.
“Government must act to protect social cohesion and national security,” he counselled.
The cleric urges the federal government to prioritise security, protect farming communities and provide direct relief to vulnerable households.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Okene, Kogi State, Malam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address insecurity and economic hardship in Northern Nigeria, saying the twin challenges have deepened public frustration and weakened confidence in government.
KANO FOCUS reports that in his Friday sermon delivered, the cleric said the grievances in the region were rooted primarily in persistent insecurity and the rising cost of living rather than ethnic differences or political disagreements.
The sermon, titled “A Sincere Cry From Northern Nigeria,” examined the government’s responsibility to protect citizens, ensure their welfare and uphold justice from the perspective of Islamic teachings.
Imam Gusau said banditry, terrorism and kidnapping had prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands, disrupted transportation and exposed families to persistent fear.
“Without peace, there can be no worship, no business, no education, no farming,” he said, arguing that protecting lives and property must remain the government’s foremost responsibility.
He added that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira, had contributed to rising prices of essential commodities, including maize, millet and rice.
According to the imam, the combined effects of insecurity and inflation have placed an enormous burden on households, particularly in a region heavily dependent on agriculture and road transportation.
‘Security must come first’
Imam Gusau argued that economic recovery would remain difficult to achieve without lasting improvements in security.
He said farmers could not produce enough food if they were afraid to cultivate their land, while investments in businesses and other economic activities would yield limited benefits in communities affected by violence.
The cleric urged the federal government to intensify security operations in agricultural areas, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that farmers could return safely to their fields.
He also called for targeted food and agricultural support to reach vulnerable households directly, warning against the diversion of assistance through bureaucratic processes.
Although he acknowledged the administration’s reported security initiatives, the imam said more decisive action was needed to protect rural communities, highways and farming settlements.
He maintained that the success of the government should be measured not only by economic indicators or international engagements but also by whether ordinary Nigerians could travel safely, sleep peacefully in their homes and work on their farms without fear.
Leadership as a trust
Imam Gusau said Islamic teachings regard leadership as a sacred responsibility, or amanah, for which those in authority would be held accountable before Allah.
Quoting a prophetic tradition reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, he reminded leaders that every person entrusted with responsibility would be questioned about those under their care.
He cited the example of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, whose concern for the welfare of citizens was reflected in accounts of his personal efforts to understand the difficulties facing ordinary people.
The imam said the example illustrated the importance of accountability, compassion and responsible use of public resources.
He also referred to the Islamic legal maxim that the exercise of authority over citizens must be guided by their welfare and best interests.
According to him, government policies should prioritise the protection of lives, education, healthcare, family welfare and economic security, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society.
He explained that these responsibilities were consistent with the higher objectives of Islamic law, known as Maqasid al-Shariah, which include the preservation of life, religion, intellect, lineage and wealth.
Calls for compassion and accountability
The cleric warned that persistent insecurity and hardship could further alienate citizens if the government failed to respond to their concerns with practical measures.
He urged leaders to demonstrate compassion through policies that directly address the needs of ordinary Nigerians rather than relying solely on assurances of future prosperity.
He also condemned the activities of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, stressing that Islam places a high value on human life and prohibits the unjust killing of innocent people.
Imam Gusau called on communities to support victims of violence, assist displaced families and strengthen cooperation across religious and social divides.
He said collective solidarity was essential to preventing insecurity from destroying relationships and deepening divisions among Nigerians.
The imam also encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, practise patience and seek Allah’s forgiveness while working to improve their circumstances.
He cautioned against allowing political frustration to weaken religious conviction, arguing that Muslims should combine prayers and repentance with personal integrity, compassion and responsible conduct.
However, he stressed that spiritual responses to hardship should not diminish the responsibility of leaders to protect citizens and provide for their welfare.
Urges Nigerians to uphold integrity
Imam Gusau further called on Nigerians to examine their own conduct, saying the fight against corruption and injustice should begin with individuals and communities.
He urged traders and business owners to avoid exploiting consumers through artificial price increases and dishonest practices, particularly during periods of economic difficulty.
He said citizens should maintain honesty, support one another and avoid despair despite the challenges facing the country.
The cleric concluded that Northern Nigeria needed peace, justice and economic relief, insisting that improved security and effective welfare measures would help restore public confidence and encourage cooperation between citizens and government.
**Mr Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosque in Okene, Kogi State.
Nura Abdullahi
The Kano State Police Command has handed over two recovered vehicles to their rightful owners following intelligence-led operations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the recovered properties, comprising an orange Vibe motor vehicle and an ash-coloured Haojue motorcycle, were formally handed over to their owners at the Command Headquarters in Bompai, Kano, during the week.
The command disclosed this in a press release issued on Friday, by its Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the statement, the handover followed the completion of ownership verification, authentication of relevant documents and other necessary procedures.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the police, commending the command for its professionalism, commitment to justice and prompt return of their properties.
They described the recovery and handover as evidence of responsive and people-friendly policing.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, congratulated the owners and said the exercise aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The vision, according to the statement, emphasises the protection of lives and property, the return of recovered stolen property to victims of crime, and the promotion of public trust through transparent and accountable service delivery.
CP Bakori assured residents that the command would continue working to improve security across Kano State and ensure that recovered stolen property was returned to its legitimate owners after due verification.
The police urged anyone seeking further information to contact the investigating police officer on 08140081608 or visit the office of the Police Public Relations Officer at the Bompai Police Headquarters, Kano.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Kano State Chapter, will hold its leadership election on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to elect new executives for the association.
KANO FOCUS reports that the election will take place at the Social Welfare Department, Gyadi-Gyadi Court Road, Kano.
Ahead of the exercise, the Chairman of the JONAPWD Kano State Chapter Electoral Committee, Malam Yusha’u Ibrahim Kofar Waika, has urged members, accredited delegates and representatives of the various disability clusters to arrive at the venue on time.
He said punctuality and adequate preparation were necessary to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.
Kofar Waika also called on all disability clusters to make the necessary arrangements and participate actively in the election.
The exercise is expected to usher in a new leadership for the association in Kano State.
The election is an important step towards strengthening democratic participation, unity and inclusive leadership among persons with disabilities in the state.
It is also expected to support effective representation and advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
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