-
Signs working MoU
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their regulatory responsibilities against erring service providers.
Chief Executive Officers of the two regulatory agencies, Mr Tunji Bello for FCCPC and Dr Aminu Maida for NCC, signed the MoU in Abuja on Tuesday.
The agencies stated that the decision aims to ensure Nigerians receive maximum benefits for the services they pay for, whether in communication services, food items, or other consumables.
Mr Bello, CEO of FCCPC, emphasised that regulations are often interwoven and overlapping by design. He noted that this principle prevents issues from slipping through regulatory gaps.
He explained that the MoU symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
He stated, “This synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications. It also simplifies matters for consumers dealing with two government agencies simultaneously. Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers.”
He further challenged other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA, to ensure consumers across all sectors enjoy coordinated regulatory oversight.
Dr Maida, CEO of NCC, remarked that the MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between two critical regulatory institutions dedicated to advancing the welfare of Nigerians through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks.
He said, “This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry. In an era of rapid technological advancements, collaboration between regulatory bodies is crucial. The telecommunications sector is central to Nigeria’s economic and social development, making it imperative to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who rely on reliable and affordable communications services.”
Dr Maida added that the partnership aims to avoid regulatory uncertainty and create clarity for all stakeholders in the communications sector, further supporting the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.
He highlighted the importance of synergy in regulatory oversight, stating, “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.”