By Jessica Dogo

Jide Awe, an Innovation and Technology Policy Adviser, has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to regularly update its Type Approval regulations to accommodate emerging technologies.

Awe, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the emerging technologies include 5G, embedded SIM (eSIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Experts say Type Approval is subjecting products to tests to determine if they meet minimum safety, regulatory and technical standards.

Awe said the commission needed to ensure that its regulatory framework kept pace with technological advancements rather than focusing mainly on conventional mobile phones.

He said that evolving technologies required clear, practical and proportionate regulatory requirements to support innovation while protecting consumers and communication networks.

The expert, who is also the Founder of Jidaw.com, said that Type Approval requirements for 5G, eSIM and IoT devices should reflect the different levels of risks associated with the technologies.

According to him, the commission should avoid unnecessary duplication of testing and establish clear guidelines on software updates and product modifications.

He said that a flexible regulatory framework would help manufacturers and innovators understand compliance requirements while reducing unnecessary delays in introducing new technologies.

Awe also called for a risk-based approach to enforcement, adding that not all network-connected devices posed the same level of risk.

He cited medical devices connected to telecommunications networks as an example, warning that blocking such devices could have serious consequences for users.

He said that enforcement measures should, therefore, be carefully considered and proportionate to the potential risks and consequences.

The expert further urged the NCC to create an enabling environment for Nigerian youths, innovators and researchers to develop solutions in emerging technology areas.

He said that local innovation should be encouraged as the country expanded its adoption of advanced telecommunications technologies.

Awe stressed the need for regulation not only focused on consumer protection and network security but also promote innovation and investment in the telecommunications sector.

He said that balancing these objectives would enable Nigeria to benefit from emerging technologies while ensuring that regulatory standards remained relevant to the evolving digital ecosystem. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne