Amid tariff hike demands, FCCPC, NCC join forces to protect Nigerians from telco exploitation

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The FCCPC and NCC would be making life easier for the generality of consumers
Here is a list of all the new USSD codes for MTN, Airtel and Glo
Here is a list of all the new USSD codes for MTN, Airtel and Glo

Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has joined forces with its regulatory counterpart, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in a bid to protect Nigerian telecommunication consumers from the exploitative tendencies of telecom operators like MTN, Airtel, Glo and others.

To that effect, both commissions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to provide two layers of protection for consumers. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerian consumer protection watchdog, Tunji Bello, said the synergy between both bodies is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.

He assured that through this partnership, the FCCPC and NCC would be making life easier for the generality of consumers in dealing with two government agencies on the same issue at the same time.

The signing of the MoU symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry. 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,” Mr Bello said.

FCCPC and NCC join forces to protect Nigerians from exploitation by MTN, Airtel, others

He said this will ensure that consumers across all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight.

FCCPC NCC collaboration amid mounting calls for tariff increase

This development is coming at a time when telecom operators like MTN, Airtel and others are clamouring for a 100 per cent hike in tariff for calls, data and other telecom services. MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, explained that the sector has experienced tough economic times owing to inflation and naira devaluation, just like every other sector. As such, the call for a tariff hike is not about profitability but the sustainability of the sector.

Sustainability is at the heart of what is driving the economy. If you don’t have a sustainable industry, the economy and well-being of the people will be affected. Yes, everyone in Nigeria has gone through difficult times in the last two years due to economic challenges: inflation, and naira depreciation among others. For us, we are not talking about profitability, but sustainability. Profitability will come on a long-term basis,” he said.

MTN explains the 'network freeze' scheduled to hold during the 2023 elections
MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola

Similarly, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, explained that mobile operators have experienced a 300 per cent increase in operating costs over the past few months. Despite this, the tariff had remained static. As such, approving the proposed 100% tariff hike is the only way the Nigerian government can ensure long-term sustainability in the telecom sector. 

See also: Tariff hike: Telecom operators propose 100% increase

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Communications, Dr Bosun Tijani, said it was ready to grant the operators’ demand for a tariff hike. He, however, warned that the approved hike would not be up to the 100 per cent demanded by the operators.

You have seen over the past weeks that some of these companies have been agitating to increase tariffs. They are requesting a 100% tariff increase. But it will not be 100%. The NCC will soon come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it,” the Minister said.

It is unclear whether the MoU signed by the FCCP and NCC has any direct links with the 100 per cent tariff hike demanded by the telcos and the government’s unwillingness to go as high.

telecoms sector was 3rd highest contributor to GDP
Here is a list of all the new USSD codes for MTN, Airtel and Glo

In his remarks, the Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Aminu Maida, said the agreement is the outcome of “healthy engagements and events” that have strengthened the resolve of both institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.

Today, we celebrate the beginning of a strategic partnership between two critical regulatory institutions, each committed to advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks. In an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated,” the NCC chief said.

Mr Maida noted that the MoU makes it imperative that both commissions ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services. He also said the MoU was a testament to the shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecoms industry.


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