By Correspondent.
From Left: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Dr. Tunji Bello 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 in Abuja on Tuesday (Today, January 14, 2025).
In a significant step towards improving Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU is aimed at easing business operations and strengthening consumer protection within the industry.
In his address at the occasion, Dr. Aminu Wada, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, described the MoU as a milestone that culminates from ongoing constructive dialogues and a shared commitment to safeguarding Nigerian consumers, particularly in the telecom sector.
“This partnership marks the beginning of a strategic alliance between two pivotal regulatory bodies, both dedicated to promoting the welfare of Nigerians through fair competition and strong consumer protection frameworks,” Dr. Wada said.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration in an era of technological advancement, where ensuring a level playing field and protecting consumers who rely on affordable, reliable services has never been more crucial.
The telecommunications sector, Dr. Wada continued, has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development.
The MoU, he noted, would help minimize regulatory uncertainty, promote transparency, and align efforts to foster a competitive, consumer-oriented industry.
“Together, the NCC and FCCPC aim to support the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives while addressing the complexities of a digital economy,” he added.
Dr. Wada also praised the leadership of the FCCPC for its dedication to promoting healthy competition and consumer protection, expressing confidence that the partnership would significantly benefit Nigerians by ensuring both innovation and sustainability within the telecom sector.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of FCCPC, highlighted that the MoU would simplify the process for consumers dealing with both agencies simultaneously, ensuring smoother interactions and eliminating regulatory gaps in the industry.
He stressed that the overlapping regulatory functions between the two organizations would provide an additional layer of consumer protection and market oversight, ensuring that no issues fall through the cracks.
“This collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory cooperation and enhancing market efficiency while prioritizing consumer welfare,” Mr. Bello explained.
He further expressed hope that this partnership would inspire other regulatory bodies across sectors to adopt similar collaborative frameworks for comprehensive consumer protection.
The signing of this MoU represents a new era of synergy between the NCC and FCCPC, setting the stage for a more transparent, efficient, and consumer-friendly telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
Both agencies are optimistic that this historic partnership will lay a strong foundation for future growth, ensuring fair competition, robust consumer protection, and a thriving telecom market for years to come.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
