The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Chief Executive, Dr. Aminu Maida, has called for enhanced consumer empowerment and transparency in Nigeria’s telecom sector, emphasizing these as essential to building a consumer-centered industry.
Speaking at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament, he outlined initiatives to address concerns over data usage, billing transparency, and service quality amid rising digital demands.
Held at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex Auditorium on August 8, 2024, the Parliament focused on the theme, “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.”
Dr. Maida highlighted Nigeria’s digital transformation over the past two decades, which evolved from basic voice services to high-speed 5G data, now integral to Nigerians’ daily lives. He noted that the expansion to 5G has opened doors for innovations such as smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT), but with it has come increasing consumer concerns regarding data usage and billing transparency.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Maida revealed that NCC investigations had found no significant issues with the billing systems of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), despite widespread perceptions of rapid data depletion. He explained that advanced high-resolution devices and improved connectivity have naturally increased data usage. For instance, an hour on streaming platforms like YouTube can consume between 3.5 to 5.4 gigabytes of data. Recognizing these trends, the NCC launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage, aiming to educate consumers on efficient data management practices.
To promote transparency, the NCC issued new guidelines requiring operators to simplify tariff structures and provide detailed data on pricing, enabling consumers to make informed choices. These changes will be complemented by a forthcoming rollout of coverage maps that will indicate network strength, service quality, and signal coverage across Nigeria, empowering consumers to choose operators best suited to their needs.
In his speech, Dr. Maida also acknowledged challenges within the telecoms sector, such as rising operational costs and infrastructure vandalism. He commended the recent Presidential Order designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, which will help combat vandalism and improve service quality.
The NCC’s commitment to transparency includes finalizing the Major Incident Reporting Guidelines, mandating operators to inform consumers of major incidents affecting their networks. The guidelines will be available on the NCC website, ensuring consumers have direct access to critical information.
Dr. Maida concluded by affirming the Commission’s dedication to fostering a telecom industry where consumers feel valued, empowered, and satisfied, underscoring the importance of collaboration across the industry to deliver optimal Quality of Experience to Nigerians. The TCP serves as a platform for open dialogue, with the NCC committed to listening to consumer voices and enhancing Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.