The Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Mustapha, has appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and its various initiatives aimed at safeguarding telecom consumers.
Among these commendable efforts was the recent Village Square Dialogue (VSD) held in Yola, Adamawa State.
Representing Lamido Adamawa at the Consumer Conversation program organized by the Commission, Prof. Abubakar Tahir praised the event’s theme, “Know Your Rights as Telecom Consumers.”
He highlighted the significance of this opportunity for individual telecom consumers and businesses in the state to directly interact with the regulator and receive face-to-face responses to their telecom-related inquiries.
“We must commend the NCC for the great work it has been doing in the area of consumer education and enlightenment. Aside from being the regulator of the sector, the NCC leadership has taken the issue of consumer information very central; and we thank you for bringing this laudable initiative to the good people of Adamawa,” he said.
The king urged the Commission to explore additional avenues that could result in further reductions in the cost of telecom services. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of ensuring widespread availability of these services across the nation.
He said “The Commission should kindly look inwards and ensure that all communities in the country continue to enjoy cheaper, better, qualitative and more accessible telecommunications services.”
Alkasim Umar, the Director of Consumer Affairs at NCC, speaking on behalf of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, emphasized that the regulatory body has consistently taken a leading role in safeguarding the interests of telecom consumers. At the same time, they have fostered a conducive environment for licensed service providers to deliver high-quality services to their customers.
“The NCC remains committed to its mandate of protecting, informing and educating consumers of telecoms services across all the 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This essence of the Village Square Dialogue, as one of our outreach events, is to provide a face-to-face interaction among the NCC, the service providers and the consumers,” he said.
“Information and education are key to the empowerment of telecom consumers. The protection of the rights and interests of telecom consumers is one of the mandates of the Commission, as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003. When telecom consumers are duly informed and educated, they are protected against the unfair practices by the service providers,” Umar said.
Continuing his remarks, Umar emphasized the centrality of telecommunications services in today’s digital landscape. He stressed the significance of consumer education in providing valuable information, resolving concerns, and empowering individuals through knowledge and awareness.
He added “So, it is a great decision which will sensitize the people about their rights, their privileges and the expectations they have about the telecom businesses in the country.”