The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that it will create a sustainable and thriving Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging ecosystem that will protect consumers, promote fair competition and unlock new opportunities for growth.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr Aminu Maida, made the disclosure in his welcome address at the Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum on the Draft A2P Licensing Framework held in Abuja, on Friday.
The welcome address of the NCC EVC/CEO was delivered at the event by the Ag. Head, Legal and Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte.
Maida described the gathering as an important forum to deliberate on a critical segment of the telecom ecosystem that affects businesses, consumers and service providers alike.
According to the NCC boss, A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. “It has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional, or service-related, directly to consumers.
“From bank alerts and healthcare reminders to promotional campaigns and government updates, A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication and supports our socio-economic development,” he said.
Maida restated that the strategic focus of the NCC centred on three key stakeholders namely, the government, consumers and the industry, that is, the licensees. He added that each of the stakeholders plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the A2P messaging platform.
“For the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information.
“For consumers, it guarantees timely, secure and reliable access to essential updates and services.
“For the industry, it creates opportunities for businesses and service providers to innovate, drive competition, and achieve sustainable growth,” he said.
However and despite its undeniable value and importance, the NCC EVC/CEO said the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria was facing significant challenges relating to consumer protection, fraud prevention and ensuring industry fairness.
“These gaps have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem.
“Such challenges not only affect businesses and consumers but also pose a threat to the sustainable growth and potential of this crucial communication tool,” he said.
He therefore declared that the forum marked a pivotal step toward addressing the identified challenges, adding that telecom stakeholders will be presented with the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging for deliberation.
“This framework represents our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent and secure environment,” he said.
Maida stated that the NCC was of the firm belief that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration.
He therefore said the forum was “an opportunity for all of us—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers and consumers—to engage in meaningful discussions.
“We want to hear from you—your perspectives, experiences and recommendations—so that together, we can refine this framework to ensure it meets the needs of all of us.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition and unlocks new opportunities for growth.
“To achieve this, your active participation today is essential. I urge you to engage constructively, provide feedback and contribute ideas that will help shape the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.”
He assured participants at the forum that NCC remained committed to providing a regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects stakeholders and ensures that the telecom sector continues to thrive.
