Regulatory Boost: NCC, FCCPC Collaborate to Enhance Consumer Protection in Telecom Sector

Regulatory Boost: NCC, FCCPC Collaborate to Enhance Consumer Protection in Telecom Sector

By Prince Bennett Davies

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance regulatory collaboration and protect telecom consumers in Nigeria. The historic agreement, signed on Tuesday, January 14, 2024, aims to provide two layers of protection for consumers, ensuring robust consumer protection in the telecommunications industry.

The MoU, which was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, marked a significant milestone in the partnership between the two organizations

In his statement at the signing ceremony, Dr. Maida emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies, particularly in an era of rapid technological advancements.

He pointed out that the telecommunications sector has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development, making it imperative to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.

“The signing of 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.” Dr. Maida said.

“He equally applauded the leadership of the FCCPC for their unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and promoting healthy competition across sectors.

Maida expressed optimism that the collaboration will yield significant benefits for the Nigerian people and called on all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration that this partnership represents.

From his side, Bello welcomed the NCC team to the FCCPC and emphasized the importance of regulatory collaboration in preventing issues from slipping through the cracks. He noted that the MoU is a critical step towards ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.

“The signing of this MoU today symbolizes the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.

“Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers.

“It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organizations, streamline operations for telecom operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.” Bello said.

He added that the MoU is consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritizing consumer welfare.

Bello called on other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by senior officials of both commissions, including the commissioners of the NCC and the FCCPC.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of telecom operators and consumer advocacy groups, who expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the partnership.

With the signing of the MoU, the NCC and FCCPC have demonstrated their commitment to working together to protect telecom consumers and promote fair competition in the industry.

The partnership is expected to yield significant benefits for stakeholders, including improved regulatory clarity, enhanced consumer protection, and increased efficiency in the provision of telecommunications services.

As the NCC and FCCPC begin to implement the provisions of the MoU, stakeholders will be watching with keen interest to see how the partnership will impact the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

One thing is certain, however: the signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in the efforts of both commissions to ensure that the telecommunications industry in Nigeria is transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused.

Photo Caption

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Dr. Tunji Bello, and Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the two regulatory agencies for increased telecom consumer protection in Abuja on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.