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. 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 deliver excellent legal services at all times. They are in line with the Commission’s vision and mission.

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

  • Telecoms Law and Regulations Unit
  • Operator Relations and Correspondences Unit
  • Disputes and Litigation Unit
  • Legal Registry Services Unit

 

LOCATION

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

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
Ms. Josephine Amuwa
Tel: 09-4617225; 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 with a goal to be recognized for its integrity and professional performance.

 

FUNCTIONAL ROLES

  1. Ensure strict compliance with laws, by all stakeholders.
  2. Sensitize departments on the laws and regulations of the Commission.
  3. Internal legal oversight to the Board, Management and Departments.
  4. Manage Litigation to ensure that the interest of the Commission is adequately protected.
  5. Develop Industry Regulations and Guidelines.
  6. Maintain a Registry of Complaints.
  7. Maintain a Registry of Interconnect Agreements.
  8. Management of Industry Competition Issues.
  9. Conduct due diligence on Operators.
  10. Organize Workshops/Training and other stakeholder forums.
  11. Manage operator correspondences and relations.
  12. Manage mergers and acquisitions in the industry.
  13. Manage interconnection issues among telecommunications operators.
  14. Manage Freedom of Information requests brought pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 2011..
  15. Manage post licensing issues.

 

PRIMARY TOOLS UTILIZED FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNCTIONS

The Department will operate within the scope of its powers as provided for under;

  1. ICT Policy 2012.
  2. Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
  3. Wireless Telegraphy Act, LFN 2004.
  4. Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.
  5. Freedom of Information Act 2011.
  6. Subsidiary Legislations/Regulatory Instruments (Regulations, Guidelines, Directions, etc).
  7. License Terms & Conditions.

 

SERVICE DELIVERY

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

 

MONITORING

The LRS Department in collaboration with other relevant departments engages in periodic monitoring activities to ensure strict compliance with the Act, Regulations, and Guidelines.

 

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

 

GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

In addressing consumer complaints or disputes between licensees, the LRS Department, on behalf of the Commission has the power to intervene for the purposes of facilitating expeditious settlements by way of mediation and other dispute resolution processes. Stakeholders in the industry are enjoined to seek redress by visiting, calling or writing to the LRS Department through the contact below:

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:

 

CUSTOMERS' OBLIGATION/EXPECTATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT

Customers that require information or services of the Legal and Regulatory Department are required to;

  1. Be fully acquainted with the service charter of the Information Technology Department.
  2. Follow the approved procedures/channels for obtaining required service/information.
  3. Request/apply in good time to ensure necessary or timely response.
  4. It is expected that Management will continue to give support to the LRS Department and grant its requests for approvals. Similarly, other departments are enjoined to give timely and accurate information when required.

It is expected that Management will continue to give support to the Department and grant its requests for approvals. Similarly, other departments are enjoined to give timely and accurate information when required.

 

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.

 

CHARTER REVIEW

This Charter will be reviewed periodically to reflect current trends and changes in the telecommunications industry.

 

CONCLUSION

The Legal and Regulatory Department aims at being a team, which ensures that compliance and regulations mechanisms are properly put in place and complied with by all stakeholder in the telecommunications sector.