NCC, FCCPC sign MoU to protect telecom consumers

In the quest of the sustainability of  telecommunication consumers’ right protection, the Executive-Vice Chairman Of The Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Dr. Aminu Maida held a meeting with the, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition And Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, where the formal signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place.

In his remarks, Executive-Vice Chairman Of The Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida stated that the meeting is the outcome of healthy engagements and events that have strengthened the resolve of both institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.

Dr Maida highlighted that the telecommunications sector, in particular, has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development which makes it imperative that they 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,” the EVC said.

He commended the leadership of the FCCPC for their unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and promoting healthy competition across sectors and also acknowledged the hard work of the teams from both the NCC and FCCPC, who have worked tirelessly to bring this partnership to fruition.

In his opening remarks, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition And Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, highlighted the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), adding “ It 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 also 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, adding that this synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.

According to the FCCPC boss, 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.

“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.

“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,” Bello emphasized.