By Chigozie Udeh
As part of measures to further protect Nigerian consumers in the nation’s telecommunications sector, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, on regulatory collaboration.
At the event in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello said the collaboration would streamline operation for telecommunications operators and ensure comprehensive oversight in the sector.
Mr Bello explained that the MOU will equally make operation easier for consumers in dealing with two Government Agencies on the same issues at the same time.
“This explains the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations, fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively,” Mr Bello stated.
He emphasised that Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) mandates cooperation between the FCCPC and sector regulators, describing the MoU as a critical step towards fulfilling this legal requirement.
According to him, the partnership simplifies the process for consumers by reducing the need to navigate between two government agencies on the same issue.
He added that it would also benefit telecoms operators by streamlining their operations and offering a one-stop-shop approach for regulatory oversight.
Mr Bello described the achievement as both challenging and rewarding, attributing its success to the unwavering commitment of Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC,
On his part, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida commended the FCCPC for the regulatory collaboration noting that it would go a long way to strengthening competitiveness of consumers in the country’s telecommunication sector.
Dr Maida said NCC would continue to strengthen collaboration with FCCPC towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers in the nation’s telecommunications industry.
Mr Maida who described the MoU as a pivotal milestone in regulatory governance expressed optimism that it would enhance consumer protection while fostering fair competition within the telecoms sector.
“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry,” Mr Maida added.
He noted that the partnership would harmonise the regulatory efforts of the NCC and FCCPC, reducing uncertainty and advancing the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.
