To safeguard telecom consumers and streamline regulatory operations, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement, finalized on Tuesday in Abuja, establishes a unified approach to addressing telecom-related issues, benefiting both consumers and operators while enhancing collaboration between the two regulatory bodies.
The MoU was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, and the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bello emphasized the importance of the partnership, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of promoting economic growth through regulatory collaboration, market efficiency, and prioritizing consumer welfare.
“This partnership will benefit both operators and consumers. It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecom operators through a one-stop-shop approach, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices,” Bello stated.
He highlighted the MoU as a critical milestone, noting that it represents the convergence of two diligent regulatory agencies to eliminate gaps in oversight while complying with legal requirements.
He called on other sector regulators to emulate this framework as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, described the agreement as the result of extensive engagements aimed at protecting Nigerian consumers, especially within the telecom sector.
“In an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated.
“The telecommunications sector has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development, making it imperative to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services,” Maida said.
He added that the MoU symbolizes a shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry. By aligning efforts, the NCC and FCCPC aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty, promote clarity, and further the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.
The agreement also underscores the necessity of synergy in addressing challenges such as market abuses, consumer rights violations, and the complexities of a digital economy.
Maida commended the FCCPC’s leadership for its dedication to consumer protection and fair competition and urged all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration represented by the partnership.
“This MoU ensures that our respective mandates are harmonized to achieve maximum impact. Together, the NCC and FCCPC can drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and beyond,” Maida concluded.
The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal step in protecting telecom consumers and fostering a robust telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.
