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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.
Nasiru Yusuf
Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), has organised a one-day sensitization seminar on Sunday, to empower Kannywood stakeholders on portraying issues on HIV/AIDS in film production.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Director General of the Agency, Sabitu Shu’aibu Shanono, tasked film makers on research before embarking on health related films.
He explained that Kannywood film makers have a key role to play in advocacy, as they have a large audience in the community.
Shanono charged them to contribute their portion to see the end of the disease, thus the need to make proper presentation of the disease.
According to him, “Gone are the days when People Living with the disease die easily as still presented in our Kannywood movies.”
He advised them to seek clarification on vital issues from the agency before embarking on films related to HIV/AIDS.
The DG however, stressed the readiness of the agency on building a cordial relationship with the industry, and providing vital information to film producers.
Also speaking, the Executive Seretary, Kano Censorship Board, smail Na’abba Afakallahu, commended the agency for the sensitisation.
He highlighted the role of film makers in sensitization on key issues especially health.
Afakallah called for collaboration between the industry and the agency, to send the right information to the populace.
In his remarks, the President, Motion Pictures Assocition of Nigeria (MOPPAN), Kabiru Maikaba, seeks for continuous support from such agencies.
He emphasised the need of enlightening Kannywood industry with the right information to feed their audience.
Maikaba pledged the support of his association, in contributing to end the disease, as they did in other areas.
A famous Hausa writer and the first female film producer, Hajiya Balaraba Ramat while speaking, recalled some controversies sorrounding marrying people living with HIV/AIDS.
“But today, we have seen a change in that trend because people with the virus have been successfully married and even have children,” she said.
She tasked the agency on continuous sensitization as the industry was always ready for corrections and education, in an entertaining manner.
Ado Ahmad, a renown Kannywood writer, highlighted some of the contributions giving by Hausa writer in creating awareness on early years of HIV/AIDS in Kano.
He said that the Hausa literature industry and Kannywood had contributed a lot to information dissemination.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event featured presentation from Abdallah Uba Adamu and Ashru Tukur Inuwa from faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano.
Nasiru Yusuf
The Dangote Industries Limited weekend buoyed its catalog of approval rating with the commendation of Kano Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.
KANO FOCUS reports that Emir Bayero, who visited the Dangote pavilion and was visibly elated by the company’s participation, had in his entourage Council members of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), as well as other traditional rulers in the state.
The Emir also commended the Kano Government, KACCIMA and other participating companies in the ongoing 42nd Kano International Trade Fair that closes on Saturday, December 11, 2021.
Emir Bayero said his accolade is timely given the challenges businesses face around the world.
According to him: “ We have visited the Trade Fair, and we are happy with development so far despite the economic situation around the world. May Allah support our effort.”
A statement from the Dangote Group said the company has slated Friday, December 10, 2021, for its Special Day.
The Emir’s visit came soon after the Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje visited the company’s pavilion and spoke glowingly of Dangote Group’s President Aliko Dangote.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry Ibrahim Mukhtar said the contribution of Mr. Dangote to Kano and indeed Nigeria, in the areas of industrialization and job creation, cannot be quantified.
Speaking earlier, during a visit to the Dangote pavilion, Ugandan Envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, described Mr. Dangote as an ‘African jewel’ and an institution, whose indirect support to African political leaders in the areas of job creation and industrialization are impacting positively on peace and stability on the continent.
President of Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(KACCIMA), Dalhatu Abubakar, described as apt the theme for this year’s 42nd Trade Fair, which is: Consolidating the Challenges of Covid-19 pandemic to opportunities growth and development of micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.
Deputy President and Chairman of Trade Fair Committee Uba Tanko Mijinyawa said the Dangote Group has been a partner all through, even as he extolled its charity works through the Aliko Dangote Foundation(ADF).
Speaking to newsmen earlier, the Director-General of the KACCIMA Mustapha M. Aliyu commended the Dangote Group for the partnership and sponsorship of the Trade Fair.
He described the relations between the duo as mutual and supportive.
“We appreciate his efforts and support to the socio-economic growth of Africa,” the Director-General added.
A statement from the Dangote Group said companies participating under the Dangote Industries Limited are: Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, NASCON, and Dangote Fertiliser.
Dangote Group urged participants who seek to do business with any of the company’s subsidiaries, to avail themselves of such opportunities through Special Desks at its pavilion.
It described Kano State as one of its biggest markets in the country, adding that it has historically been a major trade route not only in Nigeria but in Africa as a whole.
Aminu Abdullahi
The Department of State Security DSS, has arrested the Chairman of Kano State Consumer Protection Council, Idiris Bello Dambazau over allegations of economic Sabotage.
KANO FOCUS reports that a source close to the operatives, said the State Security accused Dambazau of unilateral closure of seven filling stations without following due process.
The source added that all enteritis to make Dambazau open the filling stations fall on deep ears, despite the fact that he was undertaking an illegal assignment which is beyond the power of Consumer Protection Council.
“The Security view Gen. Dambazau actions as nothing but economics Sabotage and attempt to create fuel scarcity in Kano where there was none,” the source said.
The DSS source who doesn’t want his name in print, explained that section 48 of the Nigeria constitution clearly stated that, any government ministry, department or agency exercising any power or function or taking any action which may have direct impact on midstreams or downstream petroleum operations shall consult with the authority.
This according to the section is prior to issuing any regulations, guidelines, enforcement order or directives, which the source emphasized Mr Dambazau did not followed.
The DSS explained further that even after consulting with the relevant authority, the authority shall review the recommendations of the government ministry, department or agency and communicate decisions accordingly before taking further action.
Dambazau, a retired army brigadier general was appointed chairman of the council by governor Abdullahi Ganduje few months ago.
He had earlier shut down textile shops at Kantin Kwari market for shortchanging consumers.
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