News Highlights:
- The MoU will strengthen Consumer Protection and Fair Competition
- It will ensure Streamlined Regulatory Framework
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have formalized a ground-breaking partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Digital TimesNG gathered that this milestone agreement underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and fostering a transparent and competitive telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony which took place at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlighted the significance of this collaboration, describing it as the culmination of extensive engagements between the two regulatory bodies.
“This occasion is the outcome of healthy engagements and events that have strengthened the resolve of both our institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry,” he stated.
Maida who stated that the strategic partnership marks the beginning of a new era of regulatory synergy, focusing on fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks, emphasized the importance of collaboration in an era defined by rapid technological advancements, noting that the telecommunications sector serves as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development.
“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 while advancing the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives,” he added.
The key highlights of the partnership include: Harmonizing regulatory mandates to maximize impact on consumer protection and competition; Addressing challenges such as market abuses, consumer rights violations, and the complexities of the digital economy with a unified approach; and creating a level playing field for all stakeholders in the telecommunications sector.
The NCC Chief Executive while commending the FCCPC for its steadfast dedication to consumer protection and healthy competition, recognizing the complementarity of both institutions’ missions, also lauded the efforts of the teams from NCC and FCCPC, whose diligence and collaboration brought this landmark agreement to fruition.
“This partnership represents a united front in addressing today’s challenges while anticipating the needs of tomorrow. I urge all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration embodied in this MoU, as we work together to achieve innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector,” Maida said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the FCCPC, warmly welcomed the NCC delegation, led by Dr. Aminu Maida, and underscored the importance of the collaboration.
“By design, regulations are often interwoven and overlapping, serving as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks,” he stated, emphasizing the complementary roles of the FCCPC and NCC in addressing regulatory gaps.
He said the collaboration aligns with Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which mandates cooperation between the FCCPC and sector regulators to ensure comprehensive oversight without regulatory conflicts or duplications.
“This MoU symbolizes the convergence of two diligent government agencies to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry while making life easier for consumers dealing with government agencies on the same issue,” Mr. Bello added.
Bello listed the key benefits of the partnership to include addressing consumer complaints effectively and eliminating exploitative practices, while also simplifying compliance for operators through a one-stop-shop regulatory approach.
He added that by harmonizing oversight, the partnership establishes a transparent and level playing field for all stakeholders, fostering a more efficient and consumer-focused telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
The partnership he stated, reflects President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, market efficiency, and consumer-centric policies, and also sets a benchmark for other sector regulators to establish similar frameworks with the FCCPC, ensuring that consumers across all sectors benefit from coordinated regulatory oversight.
Mr. Bello commended the collaborative efforts of both organizations in achieving this milestone. “Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will foster harmonious collaboration, streamline operations for telecom operators, and ultimately enhance consumer satisfaction and market efficiency,” he stated.
As the telecommunications sector continues to drive Nigeria’s economic and social development, there are hopes that this partnership is a critical step towards creating a transparent and efficient regulatory environment, paving the way for significant strides in consumer protection, fair competition, and the overall advancement of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.