FCCPC, NCC rise against erring service providers, sign 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) that would strengthen their regulatory responsibilities against erring service providers.

Chief Executive Officers of the two regulatory agencies, Mr. Tunji Bello and Dr. Aminu Maida, FCCPC and NCC, respectively, signed the MoU in Abuja, yesterday.

The two regulatory agencies said the decision was to ensure Nigerians get maximum benefits for whatever services they are paying for, either in communication services, food items or other consumables.

Mr. Bello stressed that by design, regulations are often interwoven and overlapping, and the principle behind overlapping regulations serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.

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 said the journey to the milestone has been both challenging and rewarding.

“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. Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers.

“It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecom operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.”

He challenged 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.

On his side, Dr. Maida, said the MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between two critical regulatory institutions that are committed to advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks.

“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, 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.

“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 realisation of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.”

He said the partnership also highlights the importance of synergy in regulatory oversight, adding that “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.”