The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for greater regulatory clarity and institutional harmony in the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025, currently before the National Assembly.
Speaking at the Joint National Assembly Committee Hearing on ICT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Economy in Abuja on Monday, November 10, 2025, the Chairman of ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo commended lawmakers for their efforts to modernise Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, promote e-governance, and create a legal framework for emerging technologies.
Adebayo, who represented all licensed network and infrastructure operators in Nigeria, emphasised that while ALTON supports the objectives of the Bill, certain provisions require refinement to prevent regulatory duplication and preserve investor confidence.
“Our position follows a thorough review of the Bill and focuses on ensuring clarity, coherence, and regulatory harmony,” he said. “While we acknowledge the transformative intent of the proposed law, we must highlight key areas of concern.”
He identified five key issues that ALTON believes must be addressed:
Regulatory Overlap:
Adebayo noted that the Bill grants the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) broad powers that overlap with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
ALTON recommended a clear delineation — with NITDA leading on digital policy, e-governance, and standard setting, while the NCC retains regulatory oversight over telecommunications networks, infrastructure, and digital services.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulation:
The telecom association urged lawmakers to align AI regulation with international best practices by distinguishing between policy guidance (under NITDA) and technical regulation (under NCC), as practised in the UK, India, and the EU.
Trust Service Providers:
ALTON cautioned against imposing additional compliance burdens on telecom operators already regulated by the NCC. It suggested that the proposed certification and liability frameworks should primarily apply to public-sector digital platforms rather than private network operators.
Ministerial Directives and Regulatory Independence:
The group called for a review of Section 82 of the Bill to safeguard institutional independence and align with global standards that separate ministerial policy direction from operational regulation, which it said would help promote investor confidence and regulatory certainty.
Inter-Agency Collaboration:
To avoid policy fragmentation, ALTON proposed the establishment of a National Digital Cooperation and Interoperability Framework to promote structured collaboration among NITDA, NCC, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Reiterating ALTON’s full support for the digital transformation of Nigeria, Adebayo stressed that the Bill should complement—not override—existing sectoral laws.
“The NCC should retain regulatory oversight of the telecommunications sector. The Bill must promote structured collaboration between NITDA, NCC, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC),” he said. “Institutional roles must be clearly defined to enhance investor confidence.”
Adebayo concluded by reaffirming ALTON’s readiness to work with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to achieve an effective and sustainable legal framework for Nigeria’s digital economy.
“We fully support the vision for a robust digital economy, but we urge clarity of jurisdiction, institutional independence, and structured collaboration to ensure the Bill’s objectives are achieved efficiently and sustainably,” he added.
The public hearing continues this week as stakeholders from various sectors present their inputs on the proposed legislation.
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