Maryam Aminu
In a significant step towards enhancing consumer protection and fostering fair competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
At a ceremony held at the FCCPC headquarters, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, and FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, highlighted the groundbreaking collaboration between the two regulatory bodies.
The partnership aims to streamline regulatory oversight, eliminate conflicts, and enhance the efficiency of operations within the telecommunications industry.
Dr. Maida emphasized the importance of this collaboration in fostering a competitive and consumer-focused telecom sector.
“This MoU is the culmination of healthy engagements and a shared resolve to protect Nigerian consumers, particularly in the rapidly evolving communications industry,” he said.
“The telecommunications sector is vital to Nigeria’s economic and social development. Ensuring a level playing field for stakeholders and protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable services are paramount.”
He lauded the FCCPC for its dedication to consumer protection and fair competition, adding, “This partnership underscores our joint commitment to the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives while addressing challenges such as market abuses and consumer rights violations in the digital economy.”
Mr. Tunji Bello of FCCPC echoed these sentiments, noting that regulatory overlaps, as provided for in Section 105 of the FCCPA 2018, ensure no consumer issue falls through the cracks.
“This MoU symbolizes the convergence of two diligent government agencies working together to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry,” Bello stated. “It will simplify processes for operators and consumers alike, creating a one-stop-shop approach to addressing regulatory and consumer concerns.”
He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory partnerships and prioritizing consumer welfare.
The MoU is expected to enhance consumer protection by harmonizing regulatory efforts.
It is also expected to streamline operations for telecom operators through coordinated oversight.
The MoU will further foster fair competition and reduce exploitative practices.
It will also set a precedent for other sector regulators to adopt similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC.
Both leaders commended their teams for the hard work that led to this milestone and called on stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration.
“This partnership represents a united front to ensure innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector,” Dr. Maida remarked.
As the nation moves forward with this strategic alliance, the NCC and FCCPC reaffirm their commitment to advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people by creating a transparent, consumer-centric telecom landscape.
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