… Pegs Licence Fee At N10m
CHIDIEBERE NWANKWO
Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has kick-started the process that will give rise to a new licence, streamlining the Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging framework.
A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. It has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional, or service-related, directly to consumers. From bank alerts and healthcare reminders to promotional campaigns and government updates, A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports our socio-economic development.
Speaking at a virtual stakeholders engagement, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, noted that the move to licence A2P messaging is deliberate on a critical segment of the telecommunications ecosystem that affects businesses, consumers, and service providers alike.
Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging is a service that allows businesses to send automated messages to people’s phones. A2P messages are often used for marketing, service, and business-critical purposes, and are also known as business SMS or enterprise SMS.
Enumerating the inherent opportunities the messaging platform presents to the three tiers of stakeholders, the EVC, who was represented by Ag. Head, Legal & Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, noted: “For the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information. For consumers, it guarantees timely, secure, and reliable access to essential updates and services. For the industry, it creates opportunities for businesses and service providers to innovate, drive competition, and achieve sustainable growth.”
He acknowledged that despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness.
“These gaps have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem. Such challenges not only affect businesses and consumers but also pose a threat to the sustainable growth and potential of this crucial communication tool,” he noted.
He continued: “At the Nigerian Communications Commission, our strategic focus is centred on three key stakeholders: the government, consumers, and the industry—our licensees. Each of these stakeholders plays a vital role in the success of the A2P messaging platform.”
The NCC believes that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration.
Further explaining the need for the Stakeholder engagement, the EVC explained that the forum is an opportunity for all – operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to engage in meaningful discussions. “We want to hear from you—your perspectives, experiences, and recommendations—so that together, we can refine this framework to ensure it meets the needs of all of us.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth. To achieve this, your active participation today is essential. I urge you to engage constructively, provide feedback, and contribute ideas that will help shape the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.”
The licence tenure is a renewable 5-year and a proposed license fee of N10,000,000 (Ten million Naira), with open market competition and provisions for fair practices.
At the virtual meeting, the Assistant Director at the Licensing and Authorisation Department of the NCC, Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku, also made a presentation which provided an Overview of Framework for International A2P Messaging in Nigeria.
In the address, she highlighted that the International A2P Messaging in Nigeria lack of Regulation and unified oversight, while also creating Revenue Leakage, Security Risks and Market Disparities.
She further explained that licencing the service will standardize tariffs and fair competition; enhanced security against spam and fraud; prevent fraud and unwanted traffic; increased local revenue through taxation and levies and buttress regulatory and comprehensive market oversight, which is essential.
The NCC noted that key goals of the licence will be to centralize international A2P message Routing; mandate compliance with a unified platform; protect user data with stringent security protocols; and foster a competitive and transparent market.
Ahead of the Final Draft of the A2P Messaging Services Licensing Framework, the Commission will continue to engage internal and external stakeholders in line with its participatory rule making process.
