By Maryam Aminu
In a groundbreaking move to fortify Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosted a virtual stakeholders’ forum on December 20, 2024, unveiling the Draft Application-to-Person (A2P) Licensing Framework.
The forum served as a convergence point for industry players, regulators, and experts to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities within the A2P messaging ecosystem.
The proposed framework aims to address critical issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and revenue leakages, which have hindered the sector’s sustainable growth.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, set the tone for the forum, underscoring the transformative role of A2P messaging in modern communication.
“A2P messaging is the backbone of essential communications, enabling businesses to send notifications, transactional updates, and promotional messages directly to consumers,” Maida said.
He emphasized its widespread use across sectors like banking, healthcare, and government, ensuring timely and secure information delivery.
Maida highlighted the Commission’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity in regulatory processes.
“Effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration. We encourage all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping a framework that supports innovation while safeguarding consumer and industry interests,” he said.
Reeling the highlight of the draft framework, he said there will be a unified platform for A2P message routing to standardize operations and ensure compliance.
Maida expressed that there will be a five-year renewable license with a ₦10 million fee, accessible to operators meeting technical and regulatory standards.
He added that they will be a robust protocols to curb spam, fraud, and data breaches while protecting consumer information.
The forum further featured a detailed presentation by Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku, Assistant Director of Licensing and Authorization, who provided insights into the framework’s objectives, scope, and potential benefits.
Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the draft framework’s goals and its importance to the sector’s growth.
The proposed framework promises significant advantages including Enhanced security to curb spam and fraud, Boosted local revenue through structured taxation,
Transparent, competitive market practices and Strengthened trust among consumers, businesses, and regulators.
The NCC reiterated its commitment to fostering a telecommunications ecosystem that balances innovation with protection.
Stakeholders were encouraged to contribute constructive feedback as the Commission moves toward finalizing the framework.
By addressing pressing challenges and promoting fairness, transparency, and security, the NCC aims to create a thriving A2P messaging environment. This initiative not only safeguards consumer interests but also ensures sustainable growth and innovation in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The forum concluded with a strong call to action for stakeholders to collaborate in shaping a future-ready A2P messaging ecosystem, marking a pivotal step in the NCC’s regulatory journey.
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