In a move to ensure increased telecom consumer protection in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Speaking at the agreement-signing in Abuja on Tuesday, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasised on the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies in a bid to foster growth and development.
His words: “Our partnership also highlights the importance of synergy in regulatory oversight. The challenges we face today—whether they relate to market abuses, consumer rights violations, or the complexities of a digital economy—demand a united front and a consistent approach to policy implementation. This MoU will ensure that our respective mandates are harmonized to achieve maximum impact.”
Maida further highlighted the benefit to the sector and consumers: “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.”
He further noted that the MoU between the two regulatory agencies for increased telecom consumer protection was borne out of healthy engagements and events that have strengthened the resolve of both our institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.
“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.
The MoU, Maida noted, is a testament to the Agencies’ 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.”
In his opening remark at the ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Dr. Tunji Bello noted that the signing of the MoU symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
“This highlights the importance of Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which explicitly provides for cooperation and collaboration between the FCCPC and sector regulators. This synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.
By this, we are also making life easier for the generality of consumers in dealing with two government agencies on the same issue at the same time,” he highlighted.
Bello further explained the relevance of the MoU, noting that the interwoven relationship between the FCCPC and the NCC ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations, fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively.
“Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers. It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices,” he enthused.
While applauding the NCC for this step, Bello called on other sector regulators to toe same line of collaboration with the FCCPC. “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.”
