The The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), has reiterated their commitment to protecting the consumers of telecommunications products in the country.
Speaking in Enugu during the the ‘NCC DAY’ at the ongoing International Trade Fair, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, wsaid the commission is committed to “protecting and empowering consumers, irrespective of their class, from unfair practices by the service providers.
Professor Danbatta who was represented by the Enugu Zonal Controller, Ogbonnaya Ugama, also assured that the commission will continue to provide a “level playing ground for operators to thrive, promote investment and delivery of innovative and enhanced consumer quality of experience.
Mr Ogbonnaya also disclosed that the NCC is on the verge of deploying the fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria which he explained will “bring substantial network improvements including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria for business and help to further open up Nigeria in the emerging global market.
Speaking further, he said that the regulatory efforts of the NCC in deepening access to digital services will be of immense benefit to Nigeria and will have great effect on our economy. “Key areas of contribution to the to the economy shall include: direct job creation; contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth; emergence of new services and industries; workforce transformation and business innovation.”
Mr Ogbonnaya also revealed that that the number of telecom consumers have continued to increase impressively over the years. The active mobile subscription in the country stands at 197.5 million, Internet subscribers have exceeded 143.7 million and the broadband penetration now at 41.61 percent as at January 2022.
He also seized the opportunity to thank the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA, for sustaining its partnership with the commission adding that the it provides them the opportunity to “engage our esteemed telecom consumers and business owners in the South East and those who have come from different parts of the country as visitors and exhibitors.”
In his remark, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau Mr Efosa Idehen also reechoed “NCC’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and a level playing field for all stakeholders in the communications industry, particularly in safeguarding the interest of consumers to ensure they have
access to telecommunications services that allow their businesses and personal
enterprises to be competitive.”
Mr Idehen who was represented by Tunde Akpeji said the “commitment is demonstrated in the Commission’s continuous effort to establish seamless programmes that Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives such as: Consumer Education Outreach Programmes and Consumer Complaints Management (CCM).
“Development of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code; Development of Mobile Number Portability (MNP); Partnering with Law Enforcement agencies to protect Telecom Infrastructure; Campaign against Sales & Buying of Pre-registered SIM Cards and Direction on Roll-Over of Data
He went on to say that the “Commission
created various channels of lodging complaints which includes:
NCC Contact Centre Toll Free Number 622 which is available between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily except on Sundays and Public holidays.
Consumer Portal http://consumer.ncc.gov.ng
E-mail: [email protected]
Consumer Twitter account: @Consumersncc
Written complaints submitted to NCC Head Office in Abuja or any of our Zonal Offices in Enugu, Ibadan, Kano, Lagos and Port
Harcourt”
Speaking earlier at the event, the President of ECCIMA, Barr. Jasper Nduagwuike expressed their happiness with the NCC for keeping faith ECCIMA while hoping and praying that the disposition will be maintained in the coming years.
Barr. Nduagwuike charged the NCC to always ensure that consumers aren’t exploited and thanked them for living up to their mandate.
“I wish to put on record unreservedly, that the commission has lived up to its billing: by protecting the people from exploitation, cutting down the excesses of the operators, ensuring that they play according to the rules and most especially, meting out sanctions without fear or favour.
“We challenge the commission to continue it’s good work and even improve on it. So that our communication industries will grow to be amongst the very best in the world.”
Some side attractions at the event was the winning of 10 smart phones through a lucky dips. Free airtime from different service providers via fast finger, traditional music and lots more.
