By Dele Ogbodo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the execution of a level playing field for all stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.
The move both Commissions admit will protect consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja between the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida and his counterpart in FCCPC, Dr. Tunji Bello, Maida, described the occasion as one that is long expected, adding however that it is the outcome of healthy engagements that would strengthened the resolve of both institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.
He said: “Today, we celebrate the beginning of a strategic partnership between two critical regulatory institutions, each committed to advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks.
“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.”
According to the NCC boss, this MoU is a testament to the two bodies shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry.
He added: “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 their 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.
“This MoU will ensure that our respective mandates are harmonized to achieve maximum impact.
“Let me take this opportunity to commend the leadership of the FCCPC for their unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and promoting healthy competition across sectors.
“Your dedication complements our own mission at the NCC, and I am confident that this collaboration will yield significant benefits for the Nigerian people.
“I also wish to acknowledge the hard work of the teams from both the NCC and FCCPC, who have worked tirelessly to bring this partnership to fruition.”
According to Maida, FCPCC diligence has laid the groundwork for a collaboration that will not only address present challenges but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow.
He said: “As we execute this MoU today, I call on all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration that this partnership represents. Together, we can achieve the goals of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and beyond.
“Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in making this historic partnership a reality. I look forward to the great strides we will make together in ensuring fair competition and consumer satisfaction in the years to come.
In a remark, the FCCPC boss explained that by design, regulations are often interwoven and overlapping, reinforcing that the principle behind overlapping regulations is simple: it serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.
Bello, said: “This explains the interwoven relationship between the FCCPC and NCC. It ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations, fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively.
“This highlights the importance of Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which explicitly provides for cooperation and collaboration between the FCCPC and sector regulators. 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.”
According to Bello, the signing of the MoU today symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
The journey to this milestone, Bello, said has been both challenging and rewarding, adding: “I am pleased that with Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, we have successfully achieved this milestone.
“Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers. It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.
“This is entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritising consumer welfare.
“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.
