By Zainab Bakare
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has called on telecommunication companies to take a more active role in shaping Nigeria’s digital policies and laws, warning that legislation developed without adequate stakeholder input often requires repeated amendments.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, made the call at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by NILDS for staff of MTN Nigeria, where he stressed that the telecommunications sector has become central to Nigeria’s economic growth, national security and digital transformation.
He said lawmakers and policymakers require evidence-based contributions from industry players on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data protection, 5G technology, blockchain, cloud computing, digital taxation and online safety.
Professor Sulaiman acknowledged concerns over the pace at which some laws were passed during the 9th National Assembly, noting that limited consultations with stakeholders created gaps that later required legislative amendments.
He emphasised that public hearings remain a vital component of democratic lawmaking, adding that laws are stronger and more effective when affected sectors have the opportunity to contribute before final approval.
According to him, NILDS, as the research and capacity-building institution of the National Assembly, plays a key role in helping lawmakers identify policy gaps, strengthen draft legislation and improve democratic governance through research and stakeholder engagement.
He urged MTN participants to use the workshop to deepen their understanding of legislative processes, improve engagement with policymakers and provide practical solutions to challenges affecting Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The workshop focused on policy analysis, legislative drafting, stakeholder engagement, public hearings and strategies for improving collaboration between the private sector and lawmakers to support Nigeria’s digital economy.
MTN Calls for More Inclusive Legislative Process
Speaking at the opening ceremony, MTN Nigeria’s Senior Manager for Public Policy, Anas Galadima, also called for stronger stakeholder participation in Nigeria’s lawmaking process, saying accelerated legislative timelines sometimes prevent industries from contributing meaningfully to policies that affect their operations.
Galadima explained that MTN’s Public Policy team engages with government institutions to monitor legislation, assess policy changes and ensure compliance with laws and regulations at both federal and state levels.
He said the company’s Legislative Affairs team tracks bills before the National Assembly, prepares submissions for public hearings and provides industry perspectives on proposed policies affecting the telecommunications sector.
However, he expressed concern that some bills move through the legislative process too quickly, leaving little room for robust consultation.
Citing the Finance Act as an example, Galadima said some tax-related measures progressed through the National Assembly and received presidential assent within days, limiting opportunities for stakeholders to present their views.
He stressed that while industry recommendations may not always be adopted, allowing stakeholders to participate reflects global best practices and contributes to more balanced policymaking.
Galadima praised NILDS for creating platforms that encourage early engagement between lawmakers and industry players, describing the initiative as crucial to improving collaboration and legislative outcomes.
He disclosed that MTN would encourage the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to deepen collaboration with NILDS, ensuring the telecom sector contributes more effectively to future policy reforms.
According to him, stronger engagement between lawmakers and private sector stakeholders will promote practical legislation, improve regulatory certainty and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Other members of the MTN team at the workshop includes Manager, Government and Environment Affairs, Oluwaseye Oyelewo; Advisor, Federal Executive Affairs, Obi Mba; Manager, Legislative Affairs, Usman Jahun; and Partner, AMA Law, Adeleke Adewolu.
