NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION LEGAL AND REGULATORY SERVICES DEPARTMENT SERVICOM CHARTER

INTRODUCTION

The Legal and Regulatory Services (LRS) Department is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the activities and operations of the Commission are carried out in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and any other relevant Legislation. The LRS Department is also responsible for the provision of legal support and advisory services to the Commission. The Department also serves as the

Commission’s Desk Office in addressing Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

This Service Charter is a demonstration of the LRS Department's commitment to the attainment of the Commission’s Strategic Objectives. The Charter identifies our customers, what they can expect when dealing with us and our commitment to always deliver excellent legal services. This is in line with the Commission’s vision and mission.

The Legal and Regulatory Services Department comprises of four (4) Units which are;

• Telecoms Laws and Regulations Unit
• Operator Relations and Correspondence Unit
• Dispute and Litigation Unit
• Legal Registry Services Unit

LOCATION

Fourth (4th) Floor,
Nigerian Communications Commission Headquarters,
Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja.

Ag. HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
Chizua Whyte
Tel: 09-4617224; 09-4617000
Email:

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide prompt, proactive and effective legal and regulatory support to the Commission towards independent and impartial regulation of the communications industry in Nigeria.

VISION STATEMENT

To be a stellar and exemplary Department in an excelling regulatory body in Africa and the world with a goal to be recognized for its integrity and professional performance.

FUNCTIONAL ROLES

1. Ensure strict compliance with laws, guidelines, regulations and other regulatory instruments by all stakeholders.
2. Sensitize Departments on the laws, guidelines, regulations and other regulatory instruments relevant for carrying out the Commission’s objectives and functions.
3. In-House Legal adviser to the Board, Management and Departments.
4. Manage Litigation to ensure that the interest of the Commission is adequately protected.
5. Develop Industry Regulations, Guidelines, and Business Rules.
6. Maintain a Register of Complaints.
7. Maintain a Register of Interconnect Agreements.
8. Co-Manage Industry Competition Issues.
9. Conduct due diligence on Operators.
10. Manage Disaster Recovery in the Industry.
11. Organize Workshops/Trainings and other stakeholder forums.
12. Manage operator correspondences and relations.
13. Manage legal issues emanating from proposed mergers and acquisitions in the industry
14. Manage interconnection issues among telecommunications operators.
15. Co-represent the Commission in National Assembly deliberations, relating to the Communications industry.
16. Manage Freedom of Information requests brought pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
17. Manage post licensing issues.
18. Resolve complaints emanating from Law Firms.
19. Maintain and keep all statutory registers as required by the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and other regulatory instruments.

PRIMARY TOOLS UTILIZED FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNCTIONS

Primary tools include, but not limited to;

1. ICT Policy 2012.
2. Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
3. Wireless Telegraphy Act, LFN 2004.
4. Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2024.
5. Freedom of Information Act 2011.
6. Subsidiary Legislations/Regulatory Instruments (Regulations, Guidelines, Directions, Business Rules etc).
7. License Terms & Conditions.

SERVICE DELIVERY

The LRS Department aims to deliver its services promptly with the highest sense of professionalism and expertise. This will culminate in the provision of quality and timely advice, and practical recommendations to the Commission and Stakeholders.

MONITORING

The LRS Department, in collaboration with other relevant Departments engages in periodic monitoring of activities to ensure strict compliance with the NCA, 2003 Regulations, Guidelines, Business Rules, etc.

DETAILS OF STAKEHOLDERS

1. Existing and Prospective Licensees.
2. Consumers.
3. Ministry of Communications.
4. Office of the National Security Adviser.
5. Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
6. Office of the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation.
7. Consultants.
8. Law Enforcement Agencies.
9. External Solicitors.
10. Other Departments within the Commission.
11. National Assembly.
12. The Presidency.
13. Other National Regulatory Agencies.
14. National Judicial Institute.
15. Nigerian Bar Association.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

1. Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications
2. Sensitization Programs for Law Enforcement Agencies
3. Meet the Regulators forum
4. Engagement with External Solicitors
5. Public Inquiry.

STAKEHOLDERS OBLIGATION/EXPECTATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT

Stakeholders that require information or services of the Legal and Regulatory Department are required to:

1. Be fully acquainted with the Service Charter of the LRS Department.

2. Follow the approved procedures/channels for obtaining required service/information.

3. Request/apply in good time to ensure necessary or timely response.

It is expected that Management will continue to give support to the Department and grant its requests for approval. Similarly, other Departments are encouraged to give timely and accurate information when required, to enable the LRS Department give informed opinions on issues.

GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

Mrs. Ibiene Nwanyanwu,
Legal and Regulatory Services Department,
Nigerian Communications Commission Headquarters,
Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja.
Tel: 09-4617235; 09-4617000
Email:

LIMITATIONS

1. Inadequate capacity development.
2. Inadequate information from departments to proffer the requisite legal advice.
3. Inadequate Inter-departmental cooperation.
4. Late response from other departments.
5. Lack of requisite documents. 

CONCLUSION

The Legal and Regulatory Services Department is a team that ensures proper administration of the NCA, 2003, and other subsidiary Legislations and effective adherence to the regulatory instruments by all stakeholders in the Telecommunication sector.