From Left:  Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Dr. Tunji Bello and Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the two regulatory agencies for increased telecom consumer protection Tuesday in Abuja.

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU as part of measures to boost the welfare of the citizens through fair competition.

 Speaking at a brief ceremony that marked the formal consummation of the partnership, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida said it wasthe outcome of healthy engagements and events that have strengthened the resolve of both critical regulatory institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.

According to him, the telecommunications industry has become the bedrock of her economic and social development, hence the need to forge strategic partnerships and alliances, especially among regulatory institutions in the overall interest of the citizens.

He described the MoU as 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.

“This occasion is one that I would describe as long coming. It is the outcome of healthy engagements and events that have strengthened the resolve of both our institutions to protect the Nigerian consumer, especially in the communications industry.

“In an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated. The telecommunications sector, in particular, has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development. This makes it imperative that we ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services.

“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry. By aligning our efforts, the NCC and FCCPC aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty and create clarity for the benefit of all stakeholders in the communications sector and in furtherance of their joint responsibility to ensure the realization of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.

“Our partnership also highlights the importance of synergy in regulatory oversight. The challenges we face today—whether they relate to market abuses, consumer rights violations, or the complexities of a digital economy—demand a united front and a consistent approach to policy implementation. This MoU will ensure that our respective mandates are harmonized to achieve maximum impact”, Dr Maida said.

He therefore commended the management of the FCCPC for its unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and promoting healthy competition across sectors.

According to him, the dedication of the FCCPC management also complements the mission of the NCC, and I am confident that this collaboration will yield significant benefits for the Nigerian people.

The NCC-boss further acknowledged the hard work of the teams from both the NCC and FCCPC, who have worked tirelessly to bring this partnership to fruition. He called on all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration, which the partnership represents, adding that together, the industry can achieve the goals of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and beyond.

“Your diligence has laid the groundwork for a collaboration that will not only address present challenges but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow”, he said.

Meanwhile, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, who also spoke earlier during the signing ceremony noted that regulations are by design, often interwoven and overlapping. He further observed that the principle behind overlapping regulations serves as a mechanism to prevent issues from slipping through the cracks.

This principle, according to him, explains the interwoven relationship between the FCCPC and the NCC, as it ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations, fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively to address such lapses.

“This highlights the importance of section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act FCCPA 2018, which explicitly provides for cooperation and collaboration between the FCCPC and sector regulators. This synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.

“By this, we are also 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 this MoU today symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.

“The journey to this milestone has been both challenging and rewarding. I am pleased that with Dr Aminu Maida, the CEO of the NCC, we have successfully achieved this milestone. Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers. It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.

“This is entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritising consumer welfare. Given the importance of this legal requirement, today’s event should inspire other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA. This will ensure that consumers across all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight”, Bello said.