By Deborah Nnamdi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has signed an agreement with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecommunications industry.
The Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would ensure robust consumer protection in the telecommunications industry.
Bello said the partnership would also promote fair competition and ensure the eradication of exploitative practices in the industry.
He added that the partnership would benefit both operators and consumers and would also foster harmonious collaboration between the organizations and streamline operations for telecommunications operators through a one-stop-shop approach.
”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.
”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,” he said.
On his part, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, said the event was the outcome of healthy engagements that had strengthened both institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.
Maida said the telecommunications sector had become the cornerstone of the country’s economic and social development.
According to him, the development had made it imperative to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.He reiterated that the MoU is a testament to the 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 our 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,” Maida said.
