In furtherance of their statutory mandates and sustained drives to ensure that customers’ interests are protected in service delivery, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairamn of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the pact as epochal in view of its potential benefits of telecoms subscribers and by implication, the nation’s economic development.
He enthused: “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.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, explained that the collaboration of the two commissions highlighted 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.
According to him, the partnership is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.
Bello maintained through the MoU, the two commissions were also making life easier for the generality of consumers in dealing with them on the same issue at the same time, adding that the signing of this MoU symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
He recalled: “The journey to this milestone has been both challenging and rewarding. 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. 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”, the FCCPC boss added.
Photo Caption
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello (Left) and Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the two regulatory agencies for increased telecom consumer protection on Tuesday in Abuja
