The Nigeria Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, today January 14, 2025, in Abuja, signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for increased telecom consumer protection.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NCC, in his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony, said that in an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated.
He said that with the emergence of the telecommunications sector as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development, it became imperative to ensure level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.
In his words,
“Today, we celebrate the beginning of a strategic partnership between two critical regulatory institutions, each committed to advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks.
“In an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated. The telecommunications sector, in particular, has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development. This makes it imperative that we ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.
“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry. By aligning our efforts, the NCC and FCCPC aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty and create clarity for the benefit of all stakeholders in the communications sector and in furtherance of their joint responsibility to ensure the realization of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.
“Our partnership also highlights the importance of synergy in regulatory oversight. The challenges we face today—whether they relate to market abuses, consumer rights violations, or the complexities of a digital economy—demand a united front and a consistent approach to policy implementation”.
The EVC of NCC reiterated the MoU with the FCCPC will ensure their respective mandates are harmonized to achieve maximum impact.
On his part, Dr. Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman/CEO, FCCPC, acknowledged that by design, regulations are often interwoven and overlapping.
“The principle behind overlapping regulations is simple: it serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.
“This explains the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations, fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively.
Dr. Bello added that signing of the MoU symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
“The journey to this milestone has been both challenging and rewarding. I am pleased that with Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, we have successfully achieved this milestone.
“Guided by our shared vision,” the FCCPC boss said, “this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers. It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices”.
