From Left: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Dr. Tunji Bello and Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the two regulatory agencies for increased telecom consumer protection in Abuja on Tuesday (January 14, 2025).
By Cyriacus Nnaji
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for increased telecom consumer protection.
In his remarks Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive-Vice Chairman, NCC stressed the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies.
At the event which took place in Abuja, on Tuesday, 14th January, 2025, Maida said the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated. “In an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated. The telecommunications 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.
“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.
“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 and in furtherance of their joint responsibility to ensure the realization of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.
“Our partnership also highlights 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 harmonized to achieve maximum impact.
“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 said.
On his part, Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said that the principle behind overlapping regulations is simply to serve as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks, adding that the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), 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.
“By this, we are 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.
Bello said that the partnership will benefit both operators and consumers “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”.
