NCC Harps On Importance Of A2P Messaging In Driving Communication Efficiency, Supporting Socioeconomic Growth
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has emphasized the importance of Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging, noting that it drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports the nation’s socio-economic development.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, said this in his Welcome Address at the Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum on the Draft A2P Licensing Framework held on December 20th, 2024.
The NCC Boss who was represented at the occasion by the Acting Head, Legal & Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, described A2P Messaging as a critical segment of the telecommunications ecosystem that affects businesses, consumers, and service providers alike.
According to him, “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.
“At the Nigerian Communications Commission, our strategic focus is centred on three key stakeholders: the government, consumers, and the industry—our licensees. Each of these stakeholders plays a vital role in 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.”
On international level, Maida said “Despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including 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 forum marked a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges, adding “Today we will be presenting the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging to you, our valued stakeholders, 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.”
While reaffirming the NCC mandate in ensuring effective regulatory frameworks, the NCC Boss said “At the NCC, we firmly believe that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration.
“This forum is 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 gave assurance that the Nigerian Communications Commission remains committed to providing a regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects stakeholders, and ensures that the telecommunications sector continues to thrive.
Highlights from the virtual event was the presentation by the Commission of the various feedbacks received as inputs into the A2P Licensing Framework being proposed by the Commission, just as the NCC’s responses were given to each of the observations and recommendations made by the licensees.
Aside the Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, held yesterday, December 20, 2024, , which the Commission said is just the beginning of a process, the NCC stated that it will continue to engage internal and external stakeholders ahead of the Final Draft of the A2P Messaging Services Licensing Framework in line with its participatory rule making process.
