NCC committed to proactive consumer-centric programmes, initiatives in telecoms space –Maida

*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, explains how the telecoms industry regulator regards consumer protection, QoS, and Quality of Experience as its core mandate with several programmes and initiatives in the country’s digital ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Restating consumer protection, Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) have remained the core mandate of the telecoms sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has explained how consumer satisfaction ensures economic growth.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), of NCC, said this in his remarks Friday, March 15, 2024, on the occasion of the commemoration of this year’s World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, FCT.

Reeling off the Commission’s consumer protection initiatives and programmes in the Nigerian telecoms ecosystem over the years, Dr. Maida said the NCC aligned with the theme of this year’s WCRD, tagged, “Fair and Responsible AI for the Consumer”.

Represented in the occasion by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, stated: “I cannot but speak to important thematic issues in the Nigerian telecoms space.

“With the Commission’s special interest and commitment to consumer Protection, we have proactively put in place consumer-centric initiatives to deal with first level complaints by the telecoms consumer.”

The telecoms sector industry regulator itemised some of the NCC initiatives to include the Consumer Complaints Management (CCM), through which various channels of lodging complaints were created, the NCC Toll-free line 622 available between 8:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. daily except on Sundays and Public Holidays, the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Code 2442, for stopping unsolicited messages.

Maida noted others include the Consumer Portal-http://consumer.ncc.gov.ng, and the Commission Consumer X account @Consumersncc.  The Telecoms Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE), at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, an additional platform to enhance awareness of the Commission’s activities, make enquiries on consumer complaints and also for advocacy on any thematic telecom issues or concern, he noted.

The Commission noted of most recent is the Harmonised Short Codes initiative, which enables consumers to use the same codes to access services across all networks in Nigeria.

“One major focus area of the strategic roadmap of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s current Management is the Consumer,” averred Dr. Maida.

He further stated as the global community celebrates the World Consumer Rights Day, the Commission is affirming that the theme of this year will be an integral part of its’ activities, considering that AI is a force that is shaping our future in profound ways.

The Executive Vice-Chairman explained the emerging technology holds incredible potential to improve lives, but it also challenges consumers to think critically about how we harness this power responsibly.

Maida added: “Our continuous resolve to Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) the telecoms consumer is unwavering, particularly as AI technologies continue to advance  there is need foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, values, and dignity of consumers.”