The 18th edition of the annual Abuja International Trade Fair organized by Abuja Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) provided a veritable opportunity for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to interact with telecom consumers in Abuja.
Speaking during the “NCC Day” on Thursday, a special day dedicated to the Commission, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, while appreciating the organisers, noted the over the years, the NCC has continued to be a strategic partner to the Commerce, Mines and Industry Ministry, as the Commission leverages the Trade Fair platform to engage telecoms consumers and business owners, who are based in various regions of the country.
“Partnering with ACCI through our Special “NCC Day” event is a pleasure for us at the Commission, as it usually provides a veritable platform for interaction with telecoms stakeholders, especially our esteemed telecoms consumers.”
The NCC Special Day presents an opportunity for the Commission to have face-to-face interactions with telecom consumers, by enlightening them, educating them about their rights and privileges as telecom consumers, while also educating them on various consumer-centric initiatives of the Commission.
The trade fair, which started on September 28, to end on October 9, 2023 has its theme as “Sustainable Financing and Taxation as Drivers of the New Economy”
Danbatta noted that this year’s edition of the Trade Fair is very apt and timely, especially considering the pivotal role the telecommunications industry play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the globe. “As the telecommunications regulator in Nigeria, we bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the sector.”
Danbatta listed some of the interventions by the Commission to include the Consumer Education Outreach Programmes; Consumer Complaints Management (CCM); Harmonized Short Codes; Direction on Roll-Over of Data; and Strategic partnership with Law Enforcement agencies to protect Telecom Infrastructure.
Other interventions are Development of Mobile Number Portability (MNP); Development of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code; Campaign against Sales & Buying of Pre-registered SIM cards; Campaign on NIN-SIM Linkage and Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE).
Also speaking at the Fair, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), NCC, Mallam Alkasim A. Umar noted that the theme of the Fair is timely and relevant as the country navigates the challenges of sustaining its economy and ensuring a conducive business environment.
He pointed to the critical role the Commission plays in the development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, and the need to address the issue of sustainable financing and taxation to ensure the long term viability of the industry’s growth.
He further harped on NCC’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and a level-playing field for all stakeholders in the telecommunication industry, particularly in safeguarding the interest of consumers from abuse of their rights and privilege, and against unfair practices in the telecom service value chain. This commitment, he noted, is demonstrated by the Commission’s continuous effort to establish seamless programs that will Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives.
