Public hearings being underused in Nigeria’s regulatory process, lawyer says

Ilemona Onoja, a lawyer and public policy commentator, has called for mandatory regulatory impact assessments and expanded stakeholder participation to address the country’s business climate. Speaking during an X Space hosted by financial analyst Kalu Aja on the “Cost of Regulatory Uncertainty in Nigeria’s Economy,” Onoja argued that such a framework would mitigate regulatory conflicts and reduce compliance costs for businesses.

 

Onoja noted that many disputes between government agencies and the private sector could be averted if proposed regulations were subjected to rigorous scrutiny and public consultation before their implementation.

Addressing regulatory friction

While Onoja declined to comment on the merits of the ongoing legal battle between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), he highlighted the case as an example of why early engagement is essential. He suggested that impact assessments should evaluate the effects of proposed rules on businesses, consumers, existing legislation, and other regulatory bodies.

“What is the impact on manufacturers? What is the impact on regulators? Will it increase licensing fees? Will it make the process longer or shorter? Those are the questions that should be answered before regulations are introduced,” Onoja said.

Strengthening the legislative process

Onoja argued that the public hearing process at the National Assembly should be leveraged more effectively to identify unintended consequences before bills are enacted. He stated that lawmakers might not always appreciate the practical challenges of proposed legislation without input from professional bodies, industry associations, and the general public.

“That is where stakeholders are supposed to say, ‘This is how this regulation affects me.’ Those conversations should happen before a regulation comes into force,” he said.

The role of public participation

Although the Nigerian legislative process includes provisions for public hearings—enabling individuals and organisations to submit memoranda to relevant committees—Onoja observed that public engagement remains limited, often due to a lack of awareness regarding the importance of these consultations.

 

“If you ever hear about a public hearing, whether at the national or state level, on legislation that affects you, go there. Submit memoranda if you can. Get interested in the process. That is how we ensure that we get laws and regulations that impact the public favourably,” he said.

Furthermore, Onoja urged government agencies to improve internal collaboration. He argued that early coordination among regulators would help reduce overlapping mandates and enhance the effectiveness of policy implementation. Analysts maintain that evidence-based regulatory impact assessments have become a global standard for strengthening investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business—an approach they suggest would yield significant benefits if adopted more broadly in Nigeria.