In a significant development for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to enhance consumer protection and promote fair competition within the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Maida Wada, described the MoU as a “strategic partnership” designed to safeguard the interests of Nigerian consumers. Highlighting the critical role of telecommunications in driving the nation’s economic and social development, Dr. Wada emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation in addressing emerging challenges in a digital economy.
“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry,” Dr. Wada said. “By aligning our efforts, the NCC and FCCPC aim to eliminate regulatory uncertainty, create clarity for stakeholders, and further the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.”
Dr. Wada lauded the leadership of the FCCPC for its dedication to consumer protection and praised the joint efforts of both organizations’ teams in bringing the partnership to fruition. She called on industry stakeholders to embrace the collaboration, noting that the agreement would streamline regulatory oversight and ensure a level playing field for all.
Echoing similar sentiments, FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, underscored the significance of regulatory synergy, citing Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018, which mandates collaboration between the FCCPC and sector regulators.
“By design, regulations are often interwoven and overlapping,” Mr. Bello noted. “This partnership ensures comprehensive oversight, preventing regulatory gaps and making it easier for consumers to address issues without navigating conflicts between agencies.”
Mr. Bello added that the agreement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration and prioritizing consumer welfare. He emphasized that the MoU would serve as a model for other sector regulators, urging them to adopt similar frameworks to ensure robust oversight across industries.
The agreement is expected to provide telecom operators with streamlined operations through a “one-stop-shop” approach while ensuring that consumers benefit from enhanced protections and fair market practices.
The event marks a milestone in Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, as both agencies commit to a unified approach in addressing market abuses, safeguarding consumer rights, and driving innovation in the telecommunications sector.
