*The Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a one-stop-shop approach to ensure robust consumer protection frameworks, fair competition, and eradication of exploitative practices in the telecoms sector of the Nigerian economy

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In a bid to ensure consumers across all sectors of the economy enjoy the increased benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

绿帽献妻 reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, and Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of FCCPC, Tuesday jointly signed the MoU at an event held at the FCCPC Headquarters, in Abuja.

Commenting on the collaborative engagement with the FCCPC via his verified social media account Tuesday, the EVC/CERO of NCC stated: 鈥淚n furtherance of our resolve to protect telecommunications consumers, Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and I today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of our two institutions鈥攖he FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

鈥淭his MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the NCC and the FCCPC to protect and strengthen consumer rights in Nigeria.鈥�

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman also noted: 鈥淭ogether, we will ensure fair competition and safeguard consumers in our fast-evolving digital economy.鈥�

Earlier in his opening remarks at the MoU signing ceremony, Maida had described the occasion as one that was long coming.

He said: “It is the outcome 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.”

Underscoring the importance of the collaborative effort for holistic protection of consumers across sectors of the Nigerian economy, he emphasised that in an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies could not be overstated.

Maida: Telecoms is cornerstone of Nigeria鈥檚 socio-economic development

In regard to the need to support consumers for affordable and reliable communications, Maida also explained: “The telecommunications sector, in particular, has become the cornerstone of Nigeria鈥檚 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.”

According to him, the MoU is “a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry.”

On realisation of Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business objectives

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission further stated: “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 realisation of the Federal Government鈥檚 Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) objectives.

“Our partnership also highlights the importance of synergy in regulatory oversight.”

Reiterating the essence of the renewed collaboration with the FCCPC, Maida noted some of the challenges in the telecoms ecosystem to include market abuses, consumer rights violations, or the complexities of a digital economy.

All these demand a united front and a consistent approach to policy implementation, he said.

He also assured that the new “MoU will ensure that our respective mandates are harmonised to achieve maximum impact.”

The NCC Chief as well commended the leadership of the FCCPC for their unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and promoting healthy competition across sectors of the Nigerian economy.

He equally acknowledged efforts of both NCC and FCCPC teams, who have worked tirelessly to bring the partnership to fruition.

“Your diligence has laid the groundwork for a collaboration that will not only address present challenges but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow,” stated he.

Dr. Maida added: “We can achieve the goals of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria鈥檚 telecommunications sector and beyond.

“I look forward to the great strides we will make together in ensuring fair competition and consumer satisfaction in the years to come.”

Synergy critical to comprehensive oversight, consumer protection, says Bello

Likewise, Mr. Bello, in his opening remarks as at the MoU signing forum Tuesday, said 聽that by design, regulations of government agencies “are often interwoven and overlapping.”

The Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC explained: “The principle behind overlapping regulations is simple: it serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.

“This explains the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).”

He also stated that such interwoven relationship between government agencies 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.

Bello said: “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.”

Addressing regulatory gaps in consumer protection in telecoms sector

Expatiating more on the importance of the partnership with NCC, the EVC/CEO of the market regulatory Commission stated: “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.

“The signing of this MoU today symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.”

As regards the relation of the collaborative efforts for holistic consumer protection in especially the telecoms space, Bello averred: “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.”

He further stressed that the collaboration between the two regulatory Commissions would 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 said: “This is entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritising consumer welfare.”

Given the importance of this legal requirement in line with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA, the partnership with NCC will ensure that consumers across all sectors of the Nigerian economy enjoy the benefits of “coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight”, said Bello.

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