The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen regulatory collaboration aimed at improving consumer protection and promoting fair competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The MoU was signed on Tuesday at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja, with top officials from both organizations present, including FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, and NCC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida.
Bello stressed the importance of cooperation between the two agencies to address the challenges faced by consumers in the telecoms industry.
He said, “The principle behind overlapping regulations is simple: it serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks. This interwoven relationship between the FCCPC and NCC ensures that if one agency cannot address a consumer issue, the other will step in effectively.”
Highlighting Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, Bello explained that the MoU complies with legal provisions for inter-agency collaboration and will simplify interactions between telecom operators, consumers, and the government.
He added, “By this, we are also making life easier for consumers who would otherwise have to deal with multiple agencies on the same issue.”
Dr. Maida, the NCC chief, described the partnership as a long-awaited step toward advancing consumer welfare in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.
“This occasion is the outcome of healthy engagements between our institutions. It reflects our shared commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers, particularly in the communications sector,” Maida said.
He further noted that the collaboration would enhance transparency, foster fair competition, and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders.
“The telecommunications sector has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development,” Maida stated. “This makes it imperative to ensure fair competition and protect consumers who rely on reliable and affordable communications services.”
Both leaders emphasized that the MoU would help streamline operations in the telecoms sector, minimize regulatory confusion, and promote clarity for all stakeholders.
Bello also encouraged other regulatory agencies to adopt similar frameworks with the FCCPC to ensure comprehensive oversight across all sectors.
“We hope today’s event inspires other sector regulators to establish collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, ensuring that consumers in all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated regulatory oversight,” Bello said.
Dr. Maida expressed optimism about the future, saying, “This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry. I look forward to the great strides we will make together in ensuring fair competition and consumer satisfaction in the years to come.”
