In a significant move to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair competition within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on January 14, 2025.
The agreement, executed in Abuja, underscored the NCC’s commitment to fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry.
In his speech,Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, described the MoU as a long-awaited and pivotal milestone in the collaboration between both regulatory bodies. He emphasized that the partnership would play a key role in achieving the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives while ensuring fair competition and safeguarding consumer interests.
“This MoU is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers and promoting fair competition within the telecommunications sector,As the backbone of Nigeria’s economic and social development, the telecommunications sector must be a level playing field for all stakeholders. This partnership will ensure that consumers enjoy affordable, reliable services and are protected from exploitative practices.”Dr. Maida stated.
Dr. Maida highlighted the importance of regulatory synergy, especially in today’s digital age. He noted that while the NCC has primary responsibility for regulating the telecom sector, the growing complexities of the market make collaboration with the FCCPC crucial. The partnership is designed to avoid regulatory overlaps, address market abuses, and ensure a consistent approach to policy implementation.
Dr. Maida said;“Today’s collaboration is the result of healthy engagements between both agencies aimed at ensuring that the sector remains transparent and inclusive, which is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring the protection of consumers
“Together, the NCC and FCCPC will create a unified regulatory framework that eliminates uncertainties and delivers a clear, cohesive approach to consumer protection and market fairness.”
Dr. Maida further expressed his confidence that the MoU would bring about tangible benefits for both telecom operators and consumers alike. By harmonizing the regulatory efforts of the NCC and FCCPC, the partnership will address long-standing challenges in the telecom industry, including consumer rights violations and exploitative practices by some market players.
“Our goal is to ensure that telecom operators abide by the highest standards of competition and consumer protection.Through this collaboration, we are taking a proactive stance to safeguard the interests of Nigerians and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector.”Dr. Maida concluded.
Mr.Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, also underscored the significance of the partnership in streamlining regulatory oversight. He pointed out that Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 mandates cooperation between sector regulators, which is vital for addressing consumer issues and regulatory violations.
“The MoU will ensure that if one agency fails to act on a consumer issue or market abuse, the other can step in effectively, providing consumers with more accessible and efficient solutions,This cooperation will not only enhance market efficiency but also ease the burden on consumers who would otherwise have to deal with multiple agencies.”Mr. Bello explained.
The signing of the MoU mark a new chapter in strengthen partnership between the NCC and FCCPC, setting the stage for a more coordinated, comprehensive approach to regulation that benefit all stakeholders in the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
