From Our Correspondent
Abuja, Jan. 14, ’25 (TNZ) Two federal government regulatory agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster greater regulatory collaboration in the telecommunication industry.
TheNewsZenith reports that the agencies are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The partnership aims at strengthening consumer protection and promoting fair competition within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. They signed the MoU on Tuesday in Abuja.
Top officials from both organisations, including the CEO of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida and FCCPC CEO, Mr Tunji Bello attended the symbolic signing of the MoU.
Both CEOs pledged commitment to ensuring that Nigerian consumers benefit from a more coordinated regulatory framework.
According to them, the framework would enhance market efficiency, consumer welfare, and fair competition.
Bello spoke on the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation to address the complex challenges facing consumers in the telecommunications industry.
According to him, overlapping regulations between the FCCPC and NCC are essential to fill gaps in oversight. It is also necessary to ensure that no issues slip through the cracks.
“The principle behind overlapping regulations is simple. It serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.
“This explains the interwoven relationship between the FCCPC and NCC.
“It ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations, is unable to address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively,” FCCPC boss said.
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“The signing of this MoU symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies.
“This complies with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry,” TheNewsZenith quotes Bello as stating.
On his part, the NCC boss described the partnership as a long-awaited and necessary step in advancing the welfare of Nigerian consumers.
Maida explained that the collaboration would enhance transparency, foster competition and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders.
“This occasion is the outcome of healthy engagements and events that have strengthened the resolve of both our institutions.
“We have both resolve to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry,” TheNewsZenith quotes Maida as saying.
He noted that in an era of rapid technological advancements, “the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated”.
“The telecommunications sector, in particular, has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development.
“This makes it imperative that we ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services, NCC boss added
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