By Ginika Okoye
THE FEDERAL Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have signed an agreement to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecommunications industry.
Mr Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, said at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja on Tuesday, that the collaboration would ensure robust consumer protection in the telecommunications industry.
Bello said the partnership would also promote fair competition and ensure eradication of exploitative practices in the industry.
According to him, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers, will also foster harmonious collaboration between the organisations 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.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr 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 that the telecommunications sector had become the cornerstone of the country’s economic and social development.
He said that the development had made it imperative to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depended on reliable and affordable communications services.
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According to him, this 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 realisation 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.
He said that the goals of innovation, inclusivity and sustainability of the country’s telecommunications sector could only be achieved by working together. (NAN)
