NCC, FCCPC Sign MoU On Telecom Consumer Protection
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 at FCCPC in Abuja on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) toward enhancing a joint regulatory efforts in protecting telecom consumers.
Speaking at the occasion in Abuja yesterday, Executive Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the importance of the partnership between the two government agencies in protecting the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.
He said the MoU signing marks 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 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.
“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,” NCC boss explained.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, FCCPC, said the partnership between his organization and NCC 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.
The FCCPC boss said the partnership is entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritising consumer welfare.
He pointed out that the synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications, adding “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.”
According to him, “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.
“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.”
