News
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.

Headlines
Gov. Yusuf reconstitutes consumer protection council, appoints Zangina Jafaru E.S

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.

A statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa noted that the members of the council include Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman and Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the executive secretary.

Alhaji Zangina Jafaru
Other key members of the council include Ibrahim Ahmad Gama (Member representing Kano Central), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi (Member representing Kano North), Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado (Member representing Kano South) Alhaji Munzali Abubakar (Representative of business community I, Kantin Kwari Market), Ali Muhammad Adakawa (Representative of business community II, Kwanar Singa), Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi (Representative of business community III, Dawanau Market), and Sani Gambo (Representative of business community IV, Abubakar Rimi Market).
Others are Halima Yahuza Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Justice), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Health), Aminu Gidado Yushe’u (Representative of Ministry of Environment), Bashir Shehu Gezawa (Representative of the Ministry for Local Government), Maryam Halilu Haruna, Director Special Duties, (Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs), Bashir Uba, Director Investment, (Representative of the Ministry of Investment/Commerce), Faisal Mahmud (Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Agency), Umar Zubairu (Representative of Special Service Directorate) and Shamsu Jibrin (Secretary/Legal Adviser.)
The Governor emphasised that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure that businesses operate under fair, transparent and lawful conditions.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.
The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.

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Waiya decries poor Hausa advertisements by non-Hausa speakers

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of non-proficient Hausa speakers advertising products in the Hausa language in a manner that distorts the message and deviates from standard Hausa.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in his office.
He emphasized the need for advertisements in Hausa to be crafted by native speakers to ensure clarity and effective communication with the target audience.
“For an advert to be well understood, it is crucial that native Hausa speakers handle its production to prevent distortion and misinterpretation,” Comrade Waiya stressed.
Waiya reiterated his commitment to strengthening the capacity of Information Officers in the state by ensuring their registration with relevant professional bodies. This, he noted, would enhance their effectiveness and service delivery.
Earlier, the Director, Northern Region, ARCON, described the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria as the apex regulatory body overseeing advertising, marketing communications, and public communication practices in Nigeria.
He explained that ARCON operates under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation with a mandate to promote ethical advertising, act as the conscience of society in commercial communications, and protect consumer interests.
The Director commended the Kano State Government for its support of ARCON and urged the ministry to ensure that all Information Officers in the state are registered members of the council. He emphasized that such membership would significantly benefit the officers in carrying out their duties professionally.

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Kano Gov. Yusuf, Visits Rimin Zakara to Condole Bereaved Families

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has visited the Rimin Zakara community in Ungogo Local Government Area to express his condolences to the families affected by the recent demolition exercise that resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and left several others injured.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.
During his visit, Governor Yusuf met with the bereaved graves family, offering heartfelt sympathies and announcing that the state government will sponsor the family of the three deceased victims.
He also directed the immediate settlement of medical bills for all injured individuals and provided food items to support the affected families.
In a compassionate gesture, the governor announced plans to construct a new Juma’at mosque in Rimin Zakara as sadaqatu jariya (a lasting charity) dedicated to the three departed souls.

Additionally, the governor unveiled a comprehensive development plan for the community, which includes:
• Connecting the community to the electricity grid.
• Constructing solar-powered boreholes to provide clean water.
• Establishing a primary health care centre to enhance medical services.
• Developing an access feeder road to improve transportation within Rimin Zakara.
Governor Yusuf issued a stern warning to security forces against the use of live ammunition on innocent citizens, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
To ensure accountability, the governor has established an investigative committee tasked with uncovering the causes and identifying those responsible for the tragedy.
Equally, the governor has sermoned the management of the Bayero University, Kano to his office with immediate effect.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has also assured the community of his commitment to resolving the over 40-year-old land dispute between Rimin Zakara community and the Bayero University Kano.
This longstanding issue has been a source of tension, and the governor emphasized his dedication to finding a lasting solution that benefits all parties involved.
During a meeting, the Rimin Zakara community leader, Baba Habu Mikail, expressed profound gratitude to the governor for his compassionate actions, stating that the community will never forget his kindness.
On his part, Chairman of Ungogo Local Government, Tijjani Amiru, commended Governor Yusuf’s swift response and described him as a leader who prioritizes the well-being of his people.
He assured the governor of the local government’s full support in implementing these initiatives and ensuring justice for the victims.
Governor Yusuf’s visit and the announced measures have brought a sense of hope and relief to the Rimin Zakara community as they look forward to healing and rebuilding in the aftermath of the tragedy.
