*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, assures the telecoms sector regulator will continue to engage internal and external industry stakeholders on helpful inputs before releasing the final draft of the Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging Services Licensing Framework

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

As part of its regulatory efforts at improving the telecoms space in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Friday, December 20, 2024, held a virtual stakeholders’ forum to discuss the draft Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging licensing framework.

绿帽献妻 reports the NCC noted forum is in sync with its participatory rule making process to discuss the licensing framework around the Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging as a new licence category in the telecom sector of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at the virtual stakeholder engagement, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, on his welcome address, said it was imperative for the stakeholders to deliberate on the A2P messaging licensing framework as “a critical segment of the telecommunications ecosystem that affects businesses, consumers, and service providers alike.”

Maida, represented at the forum by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services of NCC, stated the A2P messaging service now plays a vital role in the modern digital world.

On strategic importance of A2P messaging service

The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC stated the A2P messaging service has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional, or service-related, directly to telecoms 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,” noted he in the speech.

In connection with the roles of the three key industry stakeholders in the success of the platform, the EVC/CEO also asserted that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s strategic focus is centred on the government, consumers, and the industry, which comprises its licensees.

Maida affirmed that each of these stakeholders plays a vital role in the success of the A2P messaging platform in the telecoms environment.

According to him, for the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information.

He stated that for consumers, the service also “guarantees timely, secure, and reliable access to essential updates and services.”

Whereas for the industry, the NCC Chief the A2P messaging service”creates opportunities for businesses and service providers to innovate, drive competition, and achieve sustainable growth.”

Challenges of A2P messaging platform in Nigeria, by Maida

Maida, in his address at the stakeholder engagement forum, observed despite the “undeniable value of the international A2P messaging space, the platform yet faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness in the Nigerian telecoms ecosystem.

He further stated: “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.”

The Commission used the forum to present the various feedbacks received as inputs into the draft A2P Licensing Framework as well as its responses to each or the observations and recommendations by the licensees.

The EVC/CEO of the Commission said the industry regulator in conjunction with the key stakeholders, however, is set to address the identified challenges in the A2P messaging service space in the West African country.

Maida as well assured that the NCC would continue to engage internal and external stakeholders ahead of the Final Draft of the A2P Messaging Services Licensing Framework in line with its participatory rule making process in the telecoms environment in Nigeria.

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