The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen regulatory collaboration in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The MoU, signed at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja, marks a significant step toward enhanced consumer protection, fair competition, and streamlined regulatory oversight. Key attendees included FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Tunji Bello, and NCC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Aminu Maida.
The agreement seeks to minimise regulatory confusion while fostering a one-stop-shop approach for telecom operators and consumers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bello highlighted the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing complex challenges faced by Nigerian consumers.
“The principle behind overlapping regulations is simple: it serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks,” Bello said. “This interwoven relationship ensures that if one agency is limited in addressing a consumer issue, the other can step in effectively.”
Bello also emphasized Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018, which mandates collaboration between sector regulators.
Aminu Maida described the MoU as a long-overdue milestone aimed at fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-centric telecommunications industry.
“This occasion is the outcome of healthy engagements and a shared resolve to protect Nigerian consumers in the communications industry,” Maida said.
“The telecommunications sector is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development. Effective collaboration is imperative to ensure fair competition and reliable, affordable communications services.”
The partnership promises to enhance consumer welfare by creating clarity, eliminating regulatory gaps, and ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders.
“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a consumer-focused telecommunications industry. By aligning our efforts, we aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty and promote transparency,” Maida added.
Bello urged other sector regulators to adopt similar frameworks, emphasising the legal requirement for inter-agency collaboration under the FCCPA.
“We hope today’s event will inspire other regulators to establish collaborative frameworks, ensuring comprehensive oversight across all sectors,” Bello stated.
Maida expressed optimism about the future, adding, “This partnership lays the foundation for a more inclusive, sustainable, and consumer-focused telecommunications sector in Nigeria.”