NCC Celebrates 2024 World Consumer Day, says Consumers Are The Most Important Part Of Any Business,

NCC Celebrates 2024 World Consumer Day, says Consumers Are The Most Important Part Of Any Business,

Maryam Aminu

World Consumer Rights Day is a global event celebrated every March 15, to raise awareness regarding the rights of consumers. It is also a day to create awareness of injustice and various market cases of abuse across the world.

In light of the above, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), hosted a commemorative forum and road show to celebrate the 2024 World Consumer Rights Day.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission Dr. Aminu Maida said consumers are the most important part of any business, and their protection is of utmost importance.

Maida recalled that the history of World Consumer Rights Day dated back to 1962 with the introduction of four basic consumer rights by President John F. Kennedy in his speech to the US Congress.
“These rights included the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard.” He said

The EVC observed that Artificial Intelligence AI has become a strong force that is shaping our future in profound ways.

The Commission in alignment with the global trend adopted the theme for this years’ edition of World Consumer Rights Day as “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer”

Dr. Aminu Maida said that as AI technologies continue to advance there is need to foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, values, and dignity of consumers.

With the Commission’s special interest and commitment to Consumer Protection, Dr. Aminu Maida said that the Commission have proactively put in place consumer-centric initiatives to deal with first level complaints by the telecom consumer

He implored that there is need for AI Developers to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems.
“This ensures that decisions made by AI can seebe explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.

Speaking also, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Clem Omife affirmed that the consumers will continue to occupy a special position in the Commission’s activities as they recognize that without the consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry.

Quoting the phrase of John Wanamaker, “customer is King”, Omife said “at the NCC, Telecom consumers are Kings because they provide the major drive and essence of our activities”

“Consumer Education also form a major tool for promoting consumer rights and therefore the Commission continues to engage with consumers and consumer issues using it various outreach programmes such the Telecom Consumer Parliament, Telecom Consumer Conversations: Market Conversation, Village Square Dialogue, Campus Conversation, NYSC Camp Sensitization Town Hall on Radio.

“We have also published the Telecom Consumer Handbook and transcribed into Braille for the Visually impaired.

“Also, the Commission- is in the final process of deploying the Automated Consumer Complaints Management system, which will further expand the complaints channels and improve complaints resolutions even at First level with Service Providers.”

Maryam Aminu

World Consumer Rights Day is a global event celebrated every March 15, to raise awareness regarding the rights of consumers. It is also a day to create awareness of injustice and various market cases of abuse across the world.

In light of the above, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), hosted a commemorative forum and road show to celebrate the 2024 World Consumer Rights Day.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission Dr. Aminu Maida said consumers are the most important part of any business, and their protection is of utmost importance.

Maida recalled that the history of World Consumer Rights Day dated back to 1962 with the introduction of four basic consumer rights by President John F. Kennedy in his speech to the US Congress.
“These rights included the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard.” He said

The EVC observed that Artificial Intelligence AI has become a strong force that is shaping our future in profound ways.

The Commission in alignment with the global trend adopted the theme for this years’ edition of World Consumer Rights Day as “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer”

Dr. Aminu Maida said that as AI technologies continue to advance there is need to foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, values, and dignity of consumers.

With the Commission’s special interest and commitment to Consumer Protection, Dr. Aminu Maida said that the Commission have proactively put in place consumer-centric initiatives to deal with first level complaints by the telecom consumer

He implored that there is need for AI Developers to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems.
“This ensures that decisions made by AI can seebe explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.

Speaking also, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Clem Omife affirmed that the consumers will continue to occupy a special position in the Commission’s activities as they recognize that without the consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry.

Quoting the phrase of John Wanamaker, “customer is King”, Omife said “at the NCC, Telecom consumers are Kings because they provide the major drive and essence of our activities”

“Consumer Education also form a major tool for promoting consumer rights and therefore the Commission continues to engage with consumers and consumer issues using it various outreach programmes such the Telecom Consumer Parliament, Telecom Consumer Conversations: Market Conversation, Village Square Dialogue, Campus Conversation, NYSC Camp Sensitization Town Hall on Radio.

“We have also published the Telecom Consumer Handbook and transcribed into Braille for the Visually impaired.

“Also, the Commission- is in the final process of deploying the Automated Consumer Complaints Management system, which will further expand the complaints channels and improve complaints resolutions even at First level with Service Providers.”