The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen protection of telecoms consumers.
The MoU was signed in Abuja on Tuesday by the NCC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr Aminu Maida and his counterpart at the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello.
The partnership and the MoU between the NCC and FCCPC, which was described as long overdue, was to ensure fair competition and satisfaction of telecoms consumers, going forward.
Speaking at the event, Dr Maida said it was long coming, adding that it was the outcome of healthy engagements and events that have strengthened the resolve of the two commissions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the telecoms industry.
“Today, we celebrate the beginning of a strategic partnership between two critical regulatory institutions, each committed to advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks.
“In an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated. The telecoms sector, in particular, has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development.
“This makes it imperative that we ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.
“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 in the communications sector.
“This is in furtherance of their joint responsibility to ensure the realisation of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives,” he said.
The NCC EVC/CEO added that the partnership with FCCPC also highlighted the importance of synergy in regulatory oversight.
“The challenges we face today—whether they relate to market abuses, consumer rights violations, or the complexities of a digital economy—demand a united front and a consistent approach to policy implementation.
“This MoU will ensure that our respective mandates are harmonised to achieve maximum impact,” Maida stated.
He commended the leadership of the FCCPC for its unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and promoting healthy competition across sectors.
“Your dedication complements our own mission at the NCC and I am confident that this collaboration will yield significant benefits for the Nigerian people.
“I also wish to acknowledge the hard work of the teams from both the NCC and FCCPC, who have worked tirelessly to bring this partnership to fruition.
“Your diligence has laid the groundwork for a collaboration that will not only address present challenges but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow,” he added.
The NCC boss called on all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration as represented by the partnership of the Commission with the FCCPC.
“Together, we can achieve the goals of innovation, inclusivity and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and beyond,” he noted.
In his opening remarks, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr Tunji Bello, said by design, regulations were often interwoven and overlapping.
He said the principle behind overlapping regulations was simple, noting that it served as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.
Bello added that overlapping regulations explained the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protections 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.
“This highlights the importance of Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which explicitly provides for cooperation and collaboration between the FCCPC and sector regulators.
“This synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications,” he added.
The FCCPC boss disclosed that the Commission was, by this, also making life easier for the generality of consumers in dealing with two government agencies on the same issue at the same time.
“The signing of this MoU today symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
“The journey to this milestone has been both challenging and rewarding. I am pleased that, with Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, we have successfully achieved this milestone.
“Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers.
“It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition and the eradication of exploitative practices,” he said.
The FCCPC EVC/CEO said it was entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency and prioritising consumer welfare.
‘Given the importance of this legal requirement, today’s event should inspire other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA.
“This will ensure that consumers across all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight,” the FCCPC boss added.
