….Sign MoU on implementation
By Bukola Kayode
The Nigerian Communications Communications (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding geared towards the protection of the rights of telecom customers.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that the signing of the MoU between both agencies signals the beginning of an important partnership.
He said: “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.
“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”.
“This MoU is a testament to our 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.
“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 added.
Also speaking at the ceremony the Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Ojo, noted that the signing of the MoU symbolised a much needed collaboration between two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
Ojo expressed pleasure that with Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, both agencies had developed a working agreement that will add to the effective regulation of the telecom industry.
He said: “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.
“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, 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”.
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