The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to protect telecommunications consumers from exploitation. This partnership aims to promote a transparent, competitive, and consumer-centric telecommunications industry.
The MOU signing ceremony took place in Abuja, with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, in attendance.
Bello emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing overlapping regulatory responsibilities, ensuring that consumers receive adequate protection. He said,
“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, 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.
“This is entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritizing consumer welfare.
“Given the importance of this legal requirement, today’s event should inspire other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA.
This will ensure that consumers across all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight.”
Speaking on the partnership, Aminu Maida outlined the need to provide a level playing field for stakeholders while ensuring that customers are being protected. He said,
“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.”
The partnership is rooted in Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which mandates cooperation between the FCCPC and regulators.
By aligning their efforts, the FCCPC and NCC aim to eliminate duplicative processes, reduce consumer challenges, and streamline regulatory oversight in the Nigerian telecommunications industry, demonstrating the commitment of regulatory agencies to protecting consumer interests and promoting a fair and competitive market.
