The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today hosted a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, where the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the critical role of regulated Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging in advancing socio-economic development across Nigeria. Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Ag. Head of Legal & Regulatory Services, NCC, delivered the remarks on behalf of the EVC, addressing the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework for the rapidly growing sector.
In her address, Mrs. Whyte stressed that while A2P messaging offers immense value, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and ensure the sustainable growth of the sector. “A2P messaging is a powerful communication tool that drives efficiency and supports socio-economic development. However, without proper regulation, challenges such as fraud and data privacy concerns continue to hinder its potential,” she remarked.
The forum also featured an in-depth presentation on the proposed A2P Messaging Licensing Framework, which seeks to regulate the sector by introducing standardized tariffs, a centralized message routing platform, and enhanced security measures to protect users. The framework aims to address existing issues such as fraud prevention, market disparities, and revenue retention, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit equitably from the growth of the A2P ecosystem.
Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku, Assistant Director at the Licensing and Authorisation Department of the NCC, provided a comprehensive overview of the proposed framework, highlighting the objectives, scope, and technical requirements for licensing A2P service providers. Among the key provisions discussed were the need for a centralized platform to route messages securely, stringent security protocols to protect user data, and mechanisms to detect and prevent fraud.
The proposed licensing framework also included provisions for a five-year renewable license, with a fee of N10,000,000 and eligibility criteria that require applicants to demonstrate financial capacity and partnership with a host network operator. The licensing process aims to foster a competitive and transparent market, offering businesses the opportunity to innovate while ensuring consumer protection.
Stakeholders at the forum were encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to refine the draft framework, ensuring that it meets the needs of all parties involved. The NCC reiterated its commitment to a participatory rule-making process and promised continued engagement with both internal and external stakeholders ahead of finalizing the draft.
The NCC’s push for a regulated A2P messaging environment reflected its broader vision to ensure the integrity and growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The Commission also emphasized that the new framework would contribute to the country’s economic development by increasing local revenue through taxation and reducing the risks associated with unregulated messaging services.
In a closing remarks, Mrs. Whyte reaffirmed the NCC’s dedication to fostering a regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects stakeholders, and ensures the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. The forum ended with a call for continued collaboration and constructive feedback from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the A2P messaging framework.
A2P messaging, a key communication tool that facilitates business-to-consumer notifications, has seen widespread adoption across various industries. From banking alerts and healthcare reminders to government updates and promotional campaigns, A2P messaging play a vital role in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and customer engagement. However, as the use of A2P messaging expanded, the sector faces several challenges, including fraud, spam, revenue leakage, and the lack of a unified regulatory framework.
