The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, has reiterated its commitment to a consumer-focused telecommunications sector in Nigeria. Delivering the keynote address at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP) held at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex Auditorium, Dr. Maida emphasized the need to empower consumers through awareness, transparency, and improved service delivery.
Themed “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry,” the event highlighted the rapid evolution of Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape over the past two decades. “From basic voice services, we have progressed to high-speed data, now integral to Nigerians’ daily lives through services such as social media, e-commerce, and digital banking,” Dr. Maida noted.
With data consumption growing exponentially, the NCC has responded to consumer concerns about data depletion and billing transparency. Dr. Maida disclosed that, based on consumer complaints analyzed earlier this year, the NCC directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to audit their billing systems. While no major issues were identified, the NCC recognized that data-intensive devices and evolving digital habits contribute significantly to consumers’ experiences.
To address these challenges, the NCC launched a Joint Industry Campaign for Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage. This campaign, which spans radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, aims to educate consumers on effectively managing data. Dr. Maida emphasized that smartphones often use data in the background for automatic updates and other functions, contributing to faster-than-expected data depletion.
“An informed consumer is a better-equipped consumer,” said Dr. Maida. “Through this campaign, we are empowering consumers with the knowledge to manage their data and understand their usage better.”
The NCC has also issued a Guidance on Tariff Simplification, mandating that operators provide transparent, easy-to-understand information on data plans and pricing. This initiative will enhance consumers’ decision-making on data usage, helping them choose the best plans to suit their needs.
In closing, Dr. Maida emphasized the NCC’s dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability within the telecom sector. Upcoming initiatives include Major Incident Reporting Guidelines, requiring operators to report network incidents, and interactive coverage maps that will inform consumers about network strength and coverage gaps nationwide.
“Our goal is a telecom industry where consumers feel valued, informed, empowered, and satisfied with the services they receive,” Dr. Maida concluded. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian can benefit from high-quality, consumer-centric telecommunications services.”
The TCP, a platform for open dialogue between consumers, operators, and regulators, reinforces the NCC’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, ensuring optimal Quality of Experience for all users.
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