By Chika Okeke
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has mandated regulatory agencies under his purview to harmonise internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues, pending the development of a harmonised national policy and governance framework.
This followed a high-level strategic meeting convened by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, with the leadership of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Minister noted that regulatory coordination is not only essential to preserving legal certainty but also fundamental to promoting investment, innovation, consumer confidence and Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness as Africa’s leading digital economy.
According to the directives issued by the Minister, the existing regulatory status quo shall be maintained with respect to matters relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues currently undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation under the Ministry’s coordination.
“Relevant agencies are to defer the implementation or enforcement of any recently issued regulation, code, guideline, framework, directive or administrative requirement relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries or other cross-cutting digital economy matters, to the extent that such provisions concern areas currently undergoing policy harmonisation under the Ministry’s coordination.
“Accordingly, all other provisions of existing regulations, guidelines, codes and directives that fall squarely within the express mandates of the relevant agencies under extant laws shall remain fully operational and enforceable, provided they are consistent with the policy direction issued by the Minister,” he said.
Tijani informed that the Ministry shall establish a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the leadership of the Office of the Minister.
The Committee will coordinate technical engagements, undertake broad consultations with industry, civil society, academia and other stakeholders, and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the objective of the harmonisation exercise is not to diminish the statutory mandates of any institution but to ensure that the government speaks with one coherent voice on cross-cutting digital economy issues through a coordinated, predictable and future-ready regulatory framework.
He disclosed that the harmonised framework will clearly delineate institutional responsibilities, eliminate unnecessary regulatory overlap, reduce compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence, promote innovation and ensure that Nigeria’s regulatory architecture supports the country’s ambition to become Africa’s leading digital economy and a globally competitive destination for digital investment.
Tijani assured that the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy remains committed to working collaboratively with all relevant institutions and stakeholders to develop aligned policies that protect citizens, foster innovation, strengthen digital trust and position Nigeria for sustained leadership in the global digital economy.
While each institution possesses clearly defined mandates under its enabling legislation, the convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach to policy development and implementation.
