Published in Nigeria by CLDS Publishing, 5b Lawani Oduloye, Oniru Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
www.cldspublishing.com
Adeleke Adewolu
Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC
A lawyer by profession, a seasoned administrator and project manager, Adeleke Adewolu has acquired extensive experience in legal practice, governance, reform and public administration. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (1986) and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1999).
Table of Contents
Foreword. vii
Preface. ix
Disclaimers. xiii
About the authors. xiv
List of Decided Cases. xxv
List of Cases in Point xxviii
List of Practitioners’ Notes. xxix
List of Figures. xxx
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION: HISTORY OF TELECOMS, TELECOMS LAW AND TELECOMS REGULATION IN NIGERIA.. 1
1.1 Introduction – Historical Background. 1
1.2 Evolutionary Phases of the Development of Telecommunications and its Regulation in Nigeria. 2
1.2.1 Phase 1 – Monopoly: 1897 - 1992. 2
1.2.2 Phase 2 – Partial Liberalisation: 1992 – 2001. 3
1.2.3 Phase 3 – Full Liberalisation/Competition: 2001 to date: 5
1.3 Structure of the Nigerian Telecoms Industry. 7
1.3.1 Classification by Licence Categories. 7
1.3.2 Classification by Market Structure. 8
1.4 Conclusions and Future Directions. 8
Appendix 1.1 - Dateline: Milestones in the History of Telecommunications Technology, Law and Regulation 10
CHAPTER 2. TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY.. 13
2.1 Introduction. 13
2.1.1 Constitutional Issues Pertaining to Telecommunications Policy in Nigeria. 13
2.1.2 Functional Imperatives: The Purpose of Policy Instruments. 15
2.2 Policy Evolution and Responsibility: The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. 17
2.2.1 Establishment and Mandate. 17
2.2.2 Policy and Other Responsibilities of the Minister Vis-à-vis Telecommunications. 18
2.2.3 Agencies under the Supervision of the Ministry. 19
2.2.4 Ongoing Initiatives of the Ministry. 20
2.3 The National Policy on Telecommunications, 1995. 20
2.4 The National Policy on Telecommunications (NPT), 2001. 20
2.5 The National Information and Communication Technology Policy (NICTP), 2012. 22
2.6 The National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2013 – 2018. 24
2.7 The Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025. 25
2.8 The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy. 27
2.9 Universal Access and Universal Service Policy. 29
2.9.1 Establishment of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). 29
2.9.2 Independence and Funding of Universal Service. 30
2.9.3 USPF Implementation Strategies. 30
2.9.4 Future Directions of Universal Service Policy. 31
2.10 Other Relevant Instruments. 33
2.10.1 Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in Information and Communications Technology 2013 (as Amended, August 2019) (GNCICT) 33
2.9.1a Executive Order 5 of 2018. 35
2.10.2 The National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy. 36
2.10.3 The Nigerian ICT Roadmap 2017 -2020. 36
2.11 Future Directions on Telecommunications Policy in Nigeria. 37
Suggestions for Further Reading. 39
Practitioners’ Note 2-1 – Policy Advocacy and Engagement 40
Appendix 2.1 – Goals and Performance Measurement Matrix for the Nigerian Content Guidelines. 42
Appendix 2.2 – Nigerian National Broadband Targets. 43
CHAPTER 3. SOURCES OF NIGERIAN TELECOMS LAW AND REGULATION.. 45
3.1 Introduction. 45
3.2 The Wireless Telegraphy Act 45
3.3 The Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (the NCA/the Act). 46
3.3.1 Objectives of the NCA.. 46
3.3.2 Key Themes of the NCA.. 47
3.4 The Telecommunications and Postal Offences Act, Cap. T5, LFN 2004 (as amended by the Telecommunications and Postal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2016) 51
3.5 Subsidiary Regulatory Instruments made pursuant to the NCA.. 52
3.5.1 Regulations made pursuant to Section 70(1) of the NCA.. 52
3.5.2 Guidelines made Pursuant to Section 70(2) of the NCA.. 54
3.5.3 Licence Conditions. 56
3.5.4 Directions issued pursuant to Section 53 of the NCA: 56
3.5.5 Determinations and Declarations. 57
3.5.6 Technical Standards, Specifications, Codes and Business Rules. 58
3.6 Checks and Controls on NCC’s Rulemaking Powers. 58
3.7 Other Relevant Legislation. 60
3.8 Relevant International and Domestic Rulemaking Authorities. 63
Practitioners’ Note 3-1 – Regulations v. Guidelines. 68
Appendix 3.1: Future Direction – Review of the NCA, 2003. 70
CHAPTER 4. THE NIGERIAN REGULATORY REGIME.. 72
4.1 Introduction: The Regulatory Imperative. 72
4.1.1 Why Regulate?. 72
4.1.2 How to Regulate – Dominant Approaches to Regulation. 73
4.1.3 Principles of Good Regulation. 76
4.1.4 The Question of Regulatory Costs. 80
4.2 The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 80
4.2.1 Functions of the Commission. 81
4.2.2 Powers of the Commission. 82
4.2.3 The Commission’s Operational Structure and Strategy. 85
4.3 Other Quasi-Regulatory Bodies. 87
Suggestions for Further Reading. 87
Practitioners’ Note 4-1 – Managing the Regulatory Interface. 89
Appendix 4.1 – NCC Organisational Structure – October 2019. 93
Appendix 4.2 – Strategic Objectives of Other Regulators/Regulatory Agencies. 94
Appendix 4.3– Regulatory Impact Assessments. 97
Appendix 4.4 - Good Regulation Task Force - Principles of Good Regulation. 99
CHAPTER 5. THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY.. 101
5.1 Introduction. 101
5.2 Incorporation and Related Issues. 101
5.2.1 Incorporation. 102
5.2.2 Participation of non-Nigerians. 102
5.2.3 Technical and Financial Capability. 103
5.2.4 NCC Commissioners and Staff. 103
5.3 Investment Protection and Repatriation of Profits. 103
5.4 Technology Transfer and NOTAP Registration. 105
5.5 Confirmation of Reasonableness of Service (CRS). 108
5.6 Expatriate Quota. 109
5.6.1 Renewal of Expatriate Quota. 110
5.6.2 Re-designation of Expatriate Quota and Change of Employment by the Expatriate. 110
5.6.3 Termination of Employment 110
5.6.4 Additional Quota Positions. 110
5.6.5 Subject to Regularisation (STR) Visa. 111
5.6.6 Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) 111
5.6.7 Temporary Work Permit (TWP). 111
5.6.8 Exemptions. 112
5.7 Mergers and Acquisitions. 112
5.8 Quotation on the Stock Exchange. 114
5.8.1 Initial Public Offering (IPO). 115
5.8.2 Listing by Introduction 116
5.8.3 Reverse Acquisition/Reverse Takeover/Reverse Merger 116
5.8.4 Direct Listing/Dual Listing 116
5.8.5 Depositary Receipts 116
5.9 Registered Business Names, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Partnerships and Foreign Limited Partnerships. 116
Practitioners’ Note 5-1 – NOTAP Registration. 118
Appendix 5.1 – SEC-FCCPC ADVISORY ON THE REGISTRATION OF MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS 121
CHAPTER 6. TELECOMMUNICATIONS LICENSING.. 123
6.1 Introduction and Background. 123
6.1.1 Objectives and Purposes: Why Issue Telecoms Licences?. 124
6.1.2 Licensing Principles. 126
6.2 Licensing Frameworks, Licences Classes and Types. 126
6.1.3 Licensing Frameworks. 127
6.1.4 Individual Licences. 128
6.1.5 Class licences. 129
6.3 Methods of Licensing. 130
6.4 Standard Licence Provisions. 132
6.5 Spectrum Licensing and Regulation. 133
6.5.1 A Brief Note on the Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum.. 133
6.5.2 RF Spectrum Licensing. 134
6.5.3 Spectrum Regulation – Complementary Roles of the ITU, the NFMC and the NCC.. 136
6.5.4 Spectrum Trading. 136
6.6 Review of Licences. 139
6.7 Transfer and/or Assignment of Licences. 140
6.8 Suspension, Revocation and Surrender of Licences. 143
6.8.1 Grounds for Suspension and/or Revocation. 143
6.8.2 Suspension and Revocation Procedure. 144
6.8.3 Deregistration of Class Licences. 145
6.8.4 Surrender and Forfeiture of Individual Licences. 146
6.9 Licence Renewals. 146
6.9.1 Presumption of Renewal 147
6.9.2 Renewal Conditions and Processes. 148
6.10 Exemptions from Licensing. 148
6.11 Conclusions: New Directions - The Future of Licensing. 149
Suggestions for Further Reading. 151
Practitioners’ Note 6-1 – Approaching Licence Applications and Renewals. 152
Appendix 6.1 – NCC Licence Categories and Licences. 157
CHAPTER 7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.. 158
7.1 Introduction: Intellectual Property and the Imperatives of its Protection in Telecommunications. 158
7.2 Applicable Instruments. 160
7.3 Trademarks. 161
7.3.1 Registration of Trademarks in Nigeria. 162
7.3.2 Domain Names. 163
7.3.3 Cybersquatting. 164
7.3.4 Social Media and Trademarks. 165
7.4 Patents. 165
7.4.1 Patent Applications and Grants. 166
7.4.2 Other Issues Pertaining to Patents: Licensing and Assignment, Renewal, Patent-Related Actions, Patent Trolls and Litigation. 168
7.5 Copyrights. 171
7.5.1 The Copyright Protection Framework. 171
7.5.2 Digital Copyright – User-Generated Content (UGC), Social Media and Copyrights. 176
7.5.3 Collective Management Organisations. 178
7.6 Intellectual Property Rights and Technical Standards. 179
7.7 Technology Transfer, NOTAP Registration and Confirmation of Reasonableness of Service (CRS). 182
7.8 New Directions in Intellectual Property Protection vis-à-vis Telecommunications and Technology Platforms in Nigeria. 182
Further Reading. 182
Practitioners’ Note 7-1 – Protecting IP Rights on Social Media. 184
APPENDIX 7.1 – Konga v. Jumia. 186
APPENDIX 7.2 - Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) v. MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTNN) 187
APPENDIX 7.3 – The Qualcomm Patent War. 188
CHAPTER 8. TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE.. 190
8.1 Introduction. 190
8.2 Access Network Elements. 191
8.2.1 Terminal Equipment 191
8.2.2 Telecoms Masts and Towers. 192
8.2.3 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS). 193
8.2.4 Microwave Radios. 195
8.2.5 The Base Station Controller (BSC). 195
8.3 Core Network Elements. 196
8.3.1 Mobile Switching Centres (MSC). 196
8.3.2 Network Management System (NMS). 196
8.3.3 Network Operations Centre (NOC). 197
8.4 The Transmission Layer 197
8.4.1 Fibre Optic Cable Infrastructure. 197
8.4.2 Submarine Cables. 198
8.4.3 Communications Satellites. 199
8.4.4 Data Centres. 200
8.5 Market Participants in the Network Infrastructure Space. 201
8.5.1 Independent Tower Providers. 201
8.5.2 Independent Infrastructure Providers. 202
8.6 Other Considerations and Future Directions. 202
8.6.1 Collocation and Infrastructure Sharing. 202
8.6.2 Type Approval 204
8.6.3 Critical National Infrastructure Protection for Telecoms Infrastructure. 205
8.6.4 Infrastructure Deployments by States. 206
Suggestions for Further Reading. 207
CHAPTER 9. TAXES, LEVIES AND CHARGES. 208
9.1 Introduction: Objectives of Taxation and Impacts on the Nigerian Telecoms Industry. 208
9.2 General Taxes and Levies. 210
9.2.1 Companies Income Tax (CIT). 211
9.2.2 Personal Income Tax (PIT). 212
9.2.3 Withholding Tax (WHT) 214
9.2.4 Value Added Tax (VAT). 214
9.2.5 Capital Gains Tax (CGT). 215
9.2.6 Stamp Duty. 216
9.2.7 National Industrial Training Fund (NITF) Levy. 217
9.2.8 Employees Compensation Scheme. 218
9.2.9 The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). 218
9.2.10 National Housing Fund (NHF). 218
9.2.11 Contributory Pension Scheme. 218
9.2.12 Customs Duties. 219
9.2.13 Tenement Rates/Land Use Charge. 219
9.2.14 Business Premises Registration Fees. 220
9.2.15 Building Permits. 220
9.2.16 Aviation Clearance Permits. 221
9.2.17 NOTAP Fees. 221
9.2.18 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Charges/Levies. 221
9.2.19 Police Trust Fund Levy. 222
9.3 Operational Levies and Charges. 222
9.3.1 Annual Operating Levy (AOL). 222
9.3.2 The National Cyber Security Fund. 223
9.3.3 Numbering Fees. 223
9.3.4 Spectrum Fees. 223
9.3.5 National Information Technology Development Fund (NITDF) Levy. 224
9.3.6 Right of Way Charges. 224
9.3.7 Usage Taxes. 225
9.4 Other Considerations. 225
9.4.1 Pioneer Status Incentives. 225
9.4.2 Transfer Pricing Regulations. 226
9.5 Conclusions and Future Directions. 227
Suggestions for Further Reading. 229
Practitioners’ Note 9-1 – Multiple Taxation and Regulation. 230
Appendix 9.1 - Summary of (Known) Taxes, Levies and Charges Payable by Telecoms Operators in Nigeria – Federal and State. 235
CHAPTER 10. SAFETY, HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.. 239
10.1 Introduction. 239
10.2 Legal and Regulatory Framework Governing Installation and Management of Telecoms Infrastructure. 240
10.3 The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Radiofrequency Emissions. 242
10.4 SHE Considerations regarding Specific Telecoms Equipment 245
10.4.1 Mobile Phones and Handsets. 246
10.4.2 Base Transceiver Station Sites. 248
10.4.3 Electricity Generating Sets. 250
10.4.4 Electronic Waste. 251
10.5 Sanctions for Non-compliance with Regulatory Instruments. 252
10.6 Conclusion and Future Directions. 253
Suggestions for Further Reading. 254
Practitioners’ Note 10-1 – Litigating EMF and RF Emissions. 256
Appendix 10.1 – Summary of the ICNIRP Exposure Guidelines. 257
CHAPTER 11. EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR ISSUES. 258
11.1 Introduction. 258
11.2 Applicable instruments. 258
11.3 Preliminary Considerations. 259
11.4 Contemporary Labour Issues in the Telecoms Sector. 262
11.4.1 Local Capacity Development 262
11.4.2 Unionization in the Telecoms Industry. 263
11.4.3 "Out-Sourcing", "Casualization and "Contract Employment 264
11.4.4 Impact of Technology on Employment 267
11.4.5 Restraint of Employment and "Non-Compete" Clauses. 268
Suggestions for Further Reading: 269
Practitioners’ Note 11-1 – Drafting and Enforcing Non-Compete Clauses. 270
CHAPTER 12. TELECOMMUNICATIONS AGREEMENTS. 273
12.1 Introduction. 273
12.2 Regulated Agreements. 274
12.2.1 Interconnection Agreements. 274
12.2.2 Collocation and Infrastructure Sharing Agreements. 277
12.2.3 Subscriber Agreements. 281
12.2.4 Value-Added Services Agreements. 285
12.3 Other Major Agreements. 290
12.3.1 Technical Support and Management Services Agreements. 290
12.3.2 Sales, Marketing and Distribution Agreements. 292
12.3.3 Agreements for the Supply of Equipment 295
12.3.4 Equipment Installation/Implementation Agreements. 299
12.3.5 Equipment Maintenance Agreements. 302
12.3.6 International Roaming Agreements. 304
Suggestions for Further Reading. 305
CHAPTER 13. JURISDICTION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION.. 306
13.1 Introduction. 306
13.2 Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court 307
13.3 Disputes between Licensees and the NCC.. 308
13.3.1 Formal Review Process. 308
13.3.2 Leave of Court for Judicial Review.. 310
13.3.3 Pre-action Notices and Judicial Protection. 310
13.4 Disputes relating to regulated and other inter-licensee Agreements (other than Consumer Agreements). 311
13.4.1 Disputes Relating to Interconnection Arrangements. 311
13.4.2 Disputes Pertaining to Other Regulated Agreements. 314
13.5 Consumer Disputes. 314
13.5.1 Resolution pursuant to Sections 73 – 78 of the NCA.. 315
13.5.2 Resolution Pursuant to the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations. 315
13.6 Other Dispute Resolution Mechanisms. 316
13.6.1 The Dispute Resolution Guidelines, 2004. 316
13.6.2 Arbitration Pursuant to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 317
13.6.3 Litigation. 318
CHAPTER 14. CONSUMER PROTECTION.. 319
14.1 General Introduction – Elements, Instruments, Cognisable Rights, Enforcement Mechanisms and the Ecosystem 319
14.1.1 Elements of the Consumer Protection Framework and Applicable Instruments. 319
14.1.2 The Service Delivery Ecosystem.. 322
14.2 Actionable Consumer Rights and Correlative Service Provider Obligations. 323
14.2.1 Right to True and Credible Information. 323
Practitioners’ Note 14-1 – The Duty to Provide Information and the Responsibility for Education. 325
14.2.2 Right of Choice. 327
14.2.3 Right to Effective Dispute Resolution and Escalation Processes. 328
14.2.4 Rights Pertaining to Quality of Service (QoS). 330
14.2.5 Right to Information Privacy and Data Protection. 332
14.3 Consumer Obligations. 333
14.4 Enforcement and Sanctions. 334
14.4.1 Sanctions Pursuant to NCC’s Enforcement Regulations and the QoS Regulations. 334
14.4.2 Enforcement under the FCCPA.. 336
14.4.3 Civil Remedies. 336
14.4.4 Other Consumer Rights Enforcement Channels. 336
14.5 Conclusions and Future Directions. 337
Suggestions for Further Reading. 338
CHAPTER 15.................................... DATA PROTECTION AND INFORMATION PRIVACY.. 339
15.1 Introduction and Preliminary Issues. 339
15.2 The Nigerian Telecoms Privacy and Data Protection Framework. 342
15.2.1 Constitutional Provisions: 342
15.2.2 Information Privacy at Common Law.. 344
15.2.3 The NCA and its Subsidiary Legislation: 345
15.2.4 The NITDA Data Protection Regulations of 2019: 347
15.2.5 Other Domestic Instruments. 350
15.2.6 Pending Instruments. 353
15.2.7 International Instruments: 353
15.3 Subscriber Registration. 354
15.3.1 Background. 354
15.3.2 Registration Requirements. 355
15.3.3 Privacy and Data Protection Safeguards pertaining to Subscriber Registration. 356
15.4 Unsolicited SMS and Data Privacy. 359
15.5 SIM "Swaps" and Identity Theft 362
15.6 Mobile Equipment Databases and Anti-theft Solutions. 364
15.7 Lawful Interception of Communications. 365
15.7.1 Lawful Interception under the NCA and the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019 366
15.7.2 Interception pursuant to the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as Amended). 367
15.7.3 Interception pursuant to the Cybercrimes Act 368
15.8 Cybersecurity. 369
15.9 Censorship: Information Privacy, Security Imperatives and Legal Liabilities. 370
15.10 Conclusion and Future Directions. 370
15.10.1 Enhancing the Information Privacy and Data Protection Framework. 370
15.10.2 The GDPR as Future Direction?. 372
Suggestions for Further Reading. 373
Practitioners’ Note 15-1 – Co-Operation with Law Enforcement 373
Appendix 15.1: Subscriber Registration Challenges in Other Jurisdictions. 375
Appendix 15.2 – Sample Publication on Subscriber Registration Modalities. 377
CHAPTER 16. COMPETITION REGULATION.. 378
16.1 Introduction. 378
16.1.1 Competitions Policy. 378
16.1.2 Instruments of Competitions Regulation for the Communications Industry. 379
16.2 Competition Regulation under the NCA and the Competition Practices Regulations, 2007 (CPR). 381
16.2.1 Step One – Market Definition. 381
16.2.2 Step Two – Assessment of Competition, Market Power and Dominance. 382
16.2.3 Step Three – Restoring Market Competitiveness – Remedies and Sanctions. 387
16.2.4 Step Four – Enforcement of Market Competitiveness Restoration Measures. 392
16.2.5 Some Cross-cutting Interventions by NCC to Preserve Industry Competitiveness. 393
16.3 Competition Regulation under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA). 393
16.4 Regulation of Mergers and Acquisitions. 395
16.4.1 Mergers and Acquisitions under the NCA and the CPR.. 395
16.4.2 Mergers and Acquisition under the Investment and Securities Act, 2007 (ISA). 397
16.4.3 Mergers and Acquisitions under the FCCPA.. 398
16.5 Monopoly Regulation. 399
16.6 Emerging Issues – New Directions in Competition Regulation. 400
16.6.1 Competition Regulation in the Era of Digital Innovation and Convergence. 400
16.6.2 Competition in the Shared Infrastructure Market 401
16.6.3 Other Issues. 402
Suggestions for Further Reading. 403
Practitioners’ Note 16-1 – Navigating Potential Regulatory Overlaps between the Telecoms Regulator and the Competitions Regulator. 404
Appendix 16.1 - SEC Nigeria – New Merger Regime – Frequently asked questions. 409
CHAPTER 17. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.. 411
17.1 Introduction. 411
17.1.1 Evolution of Corporate Governance and its Importance in the Telecoms Sector. 411
17.1.2 Approaches to Supervision of Corporate Governance. 413
17.2 Governance Instruments Applicable to the Telecoms Industry. 414
17.2.1 The Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (CAMA, 2020). 414
17.2.2 The NCA, 2003. 415
17.2.3 The Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, 2018 (NCCG 2018). 417
17.2.4 The NCC Code of Corporate Governance. 419
17.2.5 The Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies in Nigeria issued by the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission, 2011 (the SEC Code). 423
17.2.6 Other Regulatory Instruments Pertaining to Governance. 423
17.3 Conflict between Governance Instruments. 424
17.4 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Investments. 425
17.5 Future Directions on Governance in the Telecoms Industry. 427
Suggestions for Further Reading. 428
Practitioners’ Note 17-1 – Mitigating the Governance Risk. 428
Appendix 17.1 – Why Stakeholders (not just Shareholders) are Important in Governance. 429
CHAPTER 18. TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS. 431
18.1 General Introduction: Technology Revolution vs. Legal and Regulatory Evolution. 431
18.2 Convergence. 432
18.2.1 Background. 432
18.2.2 Key Convergence Issues. 433
18.3 Digital Services and "Over-the-Top" (OTT) Service Models. 439
18.3.1 Background. 439
18.3.2 The Question of OTT Regulation. 441
18.3.3 Taxation of OTT Platforms as a Regulatory Alternative – the Finance Act, 2020. 444
18.3.4 New Directions: Content and Service Regulation. 446
18.4 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE). 446
18.5 Net Neutrality. 448
18.5.1 Key Issues in Net Neutrality and Telecoms Regulation. 448
18.6 Mobile Commerce (mCommerce). 451
18.6.1 Background. 451
18.6.2 Contracting and legal liability in mCommerce. 452
18.6.3 Evidence and Proof: 454
18.6.4 Digital Identity: 455
18.6.5 Data Security, Platform Security and Trust: 456
18.6.6 Consumer Protection: 456
18.6.7 Mobile Payments: 457
18.6.8 Virtual currencies. 458
18.7 Conclusion – New Challenges; New Directions; New Approaches. 458
Suggestions for Further Reading. 459
Appendix 18.1 – Pending Electronic Transactions Bills. 460
List of Decided Cases
Abacha & Ors v. Fawehinmi (2000) LPELR-14(SC)............................................................................... 421
Adediran v. Interland Transport Limited (1991) 1 NWLR (214) 155........................................................ 374
All Peoples Congress v. Nigerian Communications Commission & 5 Ors, FHC/L/CS/16/15..................... 373
Anene v. Airtel Nigeria Ltd, Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/545/2015........................................................... 374
Anthony Okolie v. Director-General, State Securiity Services & 2 ors (Unreported), Suit. No, FHC/ASB/CS/37/3/2020............................................ 296, 369
Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2003) 12 NWLR (Pt. 833).......... 239
Blue Chip Communications Ltd v. Intercellular Nigeria Plc & Anr. (2007) LPELR-8890(CA).................. 322
Bluechip Communications Limited v. Nigerian Communications Commission, Appeal No. CA/A/108/M/2004 61, 322
Broadband Technologies Limited v. Airtel Networks Limited (2018) LPELR-46659(CA)................. 320
Campagnie Generale De Geophysique (Nig) Ltd V. Anidi....................................................................... 421
Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music Inc. 510, U.S. 569 (1994)................................................................. 164, 191
Chris Okoye v. MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/885/2014................................. 321
Copyright Society of Nigeria v MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, Suit No: FHC/L/CS/619/2016 181, 185, 193
Cowpact Disc Technologies Ltd & Ors. v. Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria Gtd (MCSN) (2010) LPELR-4006(CA)..............................................................................421
Dyketrade v Omnia (2000) 12 NWLR (Part 680).................................................................................... 167
E.M.T.S. Limited v. MTN Communications Limited and Anor., F.H.C./L/CS/130/2016.............................. 322
Econet Wireless Nigeria Limited V. Nigerian Communications Commission Appeal No. CA/A/83/ 2004 61, 322
Elizabeth Anyaebosi v. R. T. Briscoe (1987) 3 NWLR (part 59) 84.......................................................... 471
Emerging Markets Telecoms Services Ltd v. MTN Nigera Communications Ltd. & Anor. Suit No. FHC/L/CS/130/2016.............................................................. 321, 406
Emerging Markets Telecoms Services Ltd v. Nigerian Communications Commission & Anor. Suit No. FHC/CS/1075/2015............................................................. 406
ESSO West Africa Inc. V. Oyegbola (1969) 1 NMLR 194 at 198............................................................ 471
Eti-Osa Local Government V. Jegede [2007] 10 NWLR p. 537............................................................... 240
Ezeadukwa v. Peter Maduka & Anor., [1997]8 NWLR 635. Per Tobi JCA at page 665...................... 358, 374
Federal Inland Revenue Service v. The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. (2018) 39 TRLN 13;...................................................................................... 219
Federal Trade Commission v. Qualcomm Incorporated, Suit No. 19-16122, judgement delivered on 11 August, 2020.................................................................................... 194
Felicia Enuma Otti v. Ecobank & Anor, Suit No: FCT /HC/CV/8391/2010.............................................. 376
Ferodo Limited & Anor v Ibeto Industries Limited (2004)5 NWLR Pt. 866, 317....................................... 166
G. K. F. Investment Nigeria Ltd. v. NITEL PLC (2009) LPELR-1294(SC)................................................ 259
Gallaher Ltd & Anor v. British America Tobacco (Nigeria) Ltd & Ors (2014) LPELR-24333(CA), per Onymenam JCA at pp. 48-49, paras. B-E............................................................................ 169
Helios Tower Limited v. Mr Isiaka Bello & Anor. (2015) LPELR-25206(CA)................................... 198, 259
Ibironke v. MTN (2019) LPELR-47483(CA.................................................................................... 364, 374
IHS Nigeria Ltd. v. Attorney-General of the Federation and 5 Ors. (unreported) Suit. No. FHC/UM/CS/146/16 227
In Re. Interconnect Clearing Hse. Nig. Limited v. MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, NCC Arbitral Ruling delivered on the 9th May, 2006.......................................................................... 325, 451
Independent National Electoral Commission v. Musa (2003) 3 NWLR (Pt.806)72.................................... 357
Island Records v. Pandum Technical Sales & Services [1993] FHCR 318................................................ 179
Isyaku v. Master (2003) 5 NWLR (Pt. 814) 443...................................................................................... 324
Madukolu v. Nkemdilim (1962) 2 SCNLR 341........................................................................................ 320
MCSN v COSON & Anor. Suit no: FHC/L/CS/1172/17................................................. 185
Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal v. Dr. J. E. N. Okonkwo [2002]2 M.J.S.C. 67...... 357
Microsoft v. Franike etc. (2012) 3 NWLR 301; (2012) 5 CLRN 145........................................................ 179
Mohammed v. Kano N.A. (1968) 1 ALL NLR 424.................................................................................. 324
Mrs. Annan Ojabor v. The Honourable Minister of Communications & Ors (2018) LPELR-44257(CA) 49, 266
MTN (Nig.) Communications Ltd. v. Corporate Communications Inv. Ltd. [2019] 9 NWLR (Pt. 1678) 427 283
MTN Nigeria Communications Limited v. Mr. Ganiyu Sadiku (2013) LPELR-21105(CA........................... 259
MTN Nigeria Communications Limited v. Mr. Udensi Hyginus Chinedu (2018) LPELR-44621(CA).. 333, 377
MTN Nigeria Communications Limited v. The Consumer Protection Council, Appeal No. CA/A/M/258/2007 (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/M/210/06).......................................... 334
MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. v. Godfrey Eneye, CA/A/689/2013.................................................. 374
MTN v. Delta State Government (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) (2018) LPELR-44158.................. 227
MTN v. NCC, Appeal No. CA/A/25/004.............................................. 322
MTN v. Tatacoms Intergrated Resources Ltd........................................................................................ 310
Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) v Nigerian Copyright Commission Suit No. FHC/L/CS/478/2008............................... 185
Nigerian Breweries Plc v Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue (2012) LPELR- 8672 (CA)...................... 221
Nigerian Communications Commission v. Motophone Limited & Anor. (2019) LPELR-47401(SC....... 49, 136
Nigerian Communications Commission v. Motophone Limited & Anr. (2007) LPELR-8893(CA) 136, 149, 151
Nigerian Communications Commission v. MTN Nigeria Ltd, (2008) 7 NWLR (Pt.1086) 229...................... 61
Nigerian Copyright Commission Tony Okoroji & Ors. Charge No: FHC/L/338C/18................................. 184
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation & Anor v. Famfa Oil Ltd., SC.71/2008, judgement delivered on 4th May, 2012................................................................... 54
Ojo & Anor v. National Pension Commission & Anor (2019) LPELR-47839(SC)..................................... 324
Okedara v. A.G Federation (2019) LPELR-47298(CA).................................................................. 357
Orakul Resources Limited & Anr. v. Nigerian Communications Commission & Ors. (2007) LPELR-8913(CA) 322, 323
Otapo v. Sunmonu (1987) 2 NWLR (Pt. 58) 587............................................................................. 324
Paul Play Dairo v MTN FHC/L/CS/581/2014................................................. 181
Performing Mechanical Rights Society Ltd/Gte (PMRS) v Nigerian Copyright Commission Suit No. FHC/L/CS/61/2007............................................................. 185
Polaris Bank PLC v Abia State Board of Internal Revenue (Appeal No. TAT/SEZ/001/2017).................. 240
Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola V Attorney-General of the Federation & MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd., Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/786/2013...................................... 387
R. Sherish Tanksahe v. Rubee Medical Centre Ltd [2003] LPELR 21445................................................. 277
Re: St. Margaret Hawes (No. 215 of 2002) and Holy Trinity Knaresborough (No.223 of 2002)................. 256
Richardson v. Mellish (1824), 2 Bing. 252............................................................................................. 281
Rylands v. Fletcher, UKHL 1, (1868) LR 3 HL 330................................................................................ 247
S.C.C (Nigeria) Limited & Anorv Chinyere Anya & Ors 2012 9 NWLR (Pt. 1305) 213............................. 270
Samabey International Communications Ltd. v. Celtel Nigeria Ltd.......................................................... 305
Societe Bic SA v. Charzin Industries Limited, [1990-97] 3 IPLR 335........................................................ 179
Stanbic Ibtc Holding Plc V. Financial Reporting Council Of Nigeria & Anor (2018) LPELR -46507(CA 110, 188
Studio Press (Nigeria) Plc v. Garnesh Kadoor & Anor, Suit No. NICN/LA/144/2015............................... 277
The People Democratic Party, Osun State Chapter and 2 ors v. MTN Nigeria Communications and the Nigerian Communications Commission Suit. No. FHC/ABJ/CS117/2012........................................................... 387
The Registered Trustees of ALTON & 6 others v. Lagos State Government and 4 others, Suit No. FHC/L/CS/517/2006 (Appeal No. CA/L/753/2008....................................................... 228
Toyota Motor Corporation v. Subaya Metalware Nigeria Limited & Anor (1 CA/L/1003/2016)................ 167
Trade Bank Plc. v. Chami (2004) All FWLR, part 235, 118..................................................................... 471
Trade Bank Plc. v. Lagos Island Local Government & Ors, (2002) LPELR 6175 (CA)............................... 54
Ugochinyere & anor. v. Attorney General of the Federation, FHC/ABJ/CS/740/2018 (unreported)............. 36
Uyo Local Government v. Akwa Ibom State Government & ANOR (2020) LPELR – 49691 (CA).............. 242
Visafone Communications Ltd v. Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria Ltd/GTE & Anor. (2018) LPELR-46791(CA)........................................................... 185
Vodacom Business Nigeria Limited v. Federal Inland Revenue Service [(2019) LPELR-47865(CA)]......... 222
Yesufu v. ACB (1976) 4..................................................................................................... 471
List of Cases in Point
Case in Point 2‑1- Broadband Access as Legal/Human Rights. 24
Case in Point 2‑2 – National Security and Competitiveness v. National Image. 26
Case in Point 4‑1 – Policy and Regulations at Crossroads 78
Case in Point 6‑1 – What is the Legal Status of a Licensing Framework?. 130
Case in Point 6‑2 –Transfer of Ownership v. Transfer of Spectrum.. 147
Case in Point 7‑1 – Digital Piracy. 165
Case in Point 7‑2 – IP Protection or Competition Ruses?. 188
Case in Point 8‑1 – Why Everyone had to Build. 208
Case in Point 8‑2 – Infrastructure Case in Point – Shared Liability?. 211
Case in Point 9‑1 – The WREN Test 217
Case in Point 9‑2 – is VAT Payable on Offshore Transactions?. 222
Case in Point 9‑3 – Aviation Height Clearance Unclear 228
Case in Point 9‑4 –Jurisdiction over Infrastructure and a Workable PPP Model – the Case of LASG and ALTON 236
Case in Point 10‑1- Mobile and Cancer 255
Case in Point 12‑1 – Why the Regulator Fixes the Consideration) 287
Case in Point 12‑2 – Why Everyone had to Build (2) 289
Case in Point 12‑3 – Who Owns the Line?. 296
Case in Point 15‑1 – What is to be protected: Data v. Information. 356
Case in Point 15‑2 – Digital Rights Brick Wall?. 360
Case in Point 15‑3 - A Vision for Subscriber Registration and Identity Authentication. 372
Case in Point 15‑4 – SIM "Swaps" and Identity Theft 374
Case in Point 15‑5 – Can States Intercept Communications?. 382
Case in Point 16‑3 – Asymmetric Interconnection Rates and Regulatory Obligations. 405
Case in Point 16‑1 – Competing an Acquisition. 414
Case in Point 16‑2- Google Station. 417
Case in Point 18‑1 – Spectrum Licensing: Getting NCC, NFMC on the same Wavelength. 452
Case in Point 18‑2 – Convergence Case in Point – IPTV Licensing. 454
Case in Point 18‑3 – Advantage of Scale! 455
List of Practitioners’ Notes
Practitioners’ Note 2‑1 – Policy Advocacy and Engagement 41
Practitioners’ Note 3‑1 – Regulations v. Guidelines. 70
Practitioners’ Note 4‑1 – Managing the Regulatory Interface. 91
Practitioners’ Note 5‑1 – NOTAP Registration. 121
Practitioners’ Note 6‑1 - Approaching Licence Applications and Renewals 157
Practitioners’ Note 7‑1 – Protecting IP Rights on Social Media. 190
Practitioners’ Note 9‑1 – Multiple Taxation and Regulation. 238
Practitioners’ Note 10‑1 – Litigating EMF and RF Emissions. 264
Practitioners’ Note 11‑1 – Drafting and Enforcing Non-Compete Clauses. 279
Practitioners’ Note 14‑1 – The Duty to Provide Information and the Responsibility for Education. 338
Practitioners’ Note 15‑1 – Co-operation with Law Enforcement and Security Agencies. 387
Practitioners’ Note 16‑1 – Navigating Potential Overlaps between the Telecoms Regulator and the Competitions Regulator 418
Practitioners’ Note 17‑1 – Mitigating the Governance Risk. 443
Practitioners Note 18‑1 – What is a Signature?. 470
List of Figures
Figure 2‑1 - The Policy Process- an illustrative model 16
Figure 4‑1 – Approaches to Regulation. 75
Figure.4‑2 - Aspects of Telecommunications Regulation. 83
Figure 4‑3 - NCC in Brief. 88
Figure 4‑4 – NCC Organogram.. 95
Figure 10‑1 – The Electromagnetic Spectrum.. 253
Figure 10‑2 - Permissible Noise Levels pursuant to Regulation 9(3)(b) of the NESREA Regulations. 258
Figure 16‑1 -– Relevant Communications Markets in Nigeria – NCC Dominance Determination, 2013. 397
Figure 16‑2 – Competitiveness Assessment by the NCC in its Competitiveness Determination of 2013. 398
Figure 16‑3 – Corrective Measure taken by the NCC in the Dominance Determination of 2013. 403
Figure 17‑1 - What is Corporate Governance?. 425
Figure 17‑2 – Compliance Models. 428
Figure 18‑1 – Convergence – an illustrative model 448
Figure 18‑2 - Approaches to OTT Regulation. 459