Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it was putting legal and regulatory framework in place to give law enforcement agencies, the authority to intercept communications legally in the country

This is contained in a statement made available to the newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja by the NCC Media Department signed by Mr Eugene Juwah, the Executive Vice Chairman of the commission.

It said the commission has commenced fine-tuning legal framework to ensure that the rights and privacy of telecoms subscribers are protected by the security agencies.

The statement said the commission made public inquiries on the lawful interception of communications regulations and licensing regulations as part of its rule–making process.

According to the statement, this is aimed at ensuring wide consultation in the enactment of regulations for the industry.

It said the proposed regulation by the NCC also sought to give security agencies power to intercept communications legally without any violation of the citizens’ privacy and rights.

``The Draft Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations was aimed at providing legal and regulatory framework for lawful interception of communications in Nigeria as well as the collection and disclosure of intercepted communications.

``It also specifies the nature and types of communications to be intercepted, penalties for non-compliance and measures to safeguard the privacy of citizens as contained in the constitution.

``These regulations shall complement the NCC Act and the obligations of law enforcement agencies and operators in connection with the interception of communications,’’ Juwah said in the statement.

The statement gave an assurance that the regulation would provide the guiding standards and principles for an effective regime on lawful interception of communication and licensing in the telecommunication industry. (NAN)

•Photo shows Juwah.