NCC and FCCPC Sign Historic MoU To Enhance Telecom Consumer Protection
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA – January 2025 - In a landmark event held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement underscores their shared commitment to enhancing regulatory collaboration and safeguarding telecom consumers.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, expressed optimism about the partnership, describing it as "a strategic milestone that has been long in the making." He highlighted the critical role of collaboration in addressing the dynamic challenges posed by Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecommunications sector.
“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry,” Dr. Maida remarked. “By aligning our efforts, we aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty, ensure a level playing field for stakeholders, and advance the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.”
Dr. Maida also commended the FCCPC for its dedication to consumer protection and fair competition. “Your unwavering commitment complements our mission at the NCC. Together, we will achieve significant progress in ensuring consumer satisfaction and innovation in the telecommunications industry,” he added.
He concluded by acknowledging the efforts of both institutions and urged stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
In his address, Dr. Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the FCCPC, underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring effective regulatory oversight. “By design, regulations are often interwoven and overlapping. This partnership ensures that no consumer issue or regulatory violation slips through the cracks,” he stated.
Dr. Bello highlighted the legal foundation for this collaboration, referencing Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. He emphasized that the MoU would streamline operations for telecom operators while enhancing consumer protection and fair competition.
“This MoU represents a convergence of two diligent regulatory bodies working in harmony to eliminate gaps in the telecom sector. It aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu's vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration and prioritizing consumer welfare,” Dr. Bello noted.
He further called on other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC to promote comprehensive oversight across various industries.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step toward a unified approach to addressing market abuses, consumer rights violations, and other challenges in Nigeria's telecommunications sector. With this collaboration, both regulatory bodies are poised to enhance consumer satisfaction and foster sustainable growth in the industry.
This historic partnership signifies a new era of regulatory synergy, ensuring that the interests of telecom consumers remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy.
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