The FCCPC Partners with NCC to Protect Telecom Consumers

To strengthen consumer protection and promote fair competition within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) will, going forward, partner with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for adequate consumer protection in the telecom sector.

The shared vision of the management of the FCCPC and the NCC guides the partnership, which will benefit both operators and consumers and foster harmonious collaboration between both organisations.

On Tuesday, the two agencies signed a partnership agreement in Abuja.

Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of his agency, while Aminu Maid, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NCC, signed it on behalf of his organization.

Bello said the partnership was to protect telecom consumers and promote fair competition by eradicating exploitative practices in the sector. He further explained that the agreement is consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritising consumer welfare.

“This synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications. By doing this, we are also simplifying the process for consumers to interact with two government agencies simultaneously on the same issue.

“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.

The signing of the MoU, he added, symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecom industry. “This will ensure that consumers across all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight,” he said.

He said, “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.” In many instances, this partnership will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecom operators through a unified approach, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.

The NCC Boss, Dr. Aminu Maida, in his remarks at the event, stated that the agreement 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.

“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.

We cannot overstate the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies in an era of rapid technological advancements.

“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,” he added.

Maida described the MoU as a testament to the shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry. Maida said the event was the outcome of healthy engagements to protect Nigerian consumers, especially in the telecommunication sector.

Maida stated that the telecom sector has become an important sector, necessitating the provision of equal playing fields for all stakeholders.

“By aligning our efforts, the NCC and FCCPC aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty, create clarity for the benefit of all stakeholders in the communications sector, and further our joint responsibility to ensure the realization of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives,” he said.