NCC continues to leverage the ACCI Trade Fair platform to engage telecoms consumers and business owners- Danbatta
Oru Leonard
Over the years, the NCC has continued to be a strategic partner to the Abuja Commerce, Mines and Industry, as the Commission leverages the Trade Fair platform to engage telecoms consumers and business owners, who are based in various regions of the country.
This were the words of the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof Danbatta at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), at the Abuja Trade & Convention Centre, Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua Way, Airport Road, Abuja.
Prof. Danbatta who commended the consistency of ACCI on delivering trade fairs over the years noted that partnering with the Chambers through our Special “NCC Day” event is a pleasure for the Commission, as it usually provides a veritable platform for interaction with telecoms stakeholders, especially our esteemed telecoms consumers.
“This year’s edition of the Trade Fair with the theme – ‘Sustainable Financing and Taxation’ is very apt and timely, especially considering the pivotal role the telecommunications industry play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the globe. As the telecommunications regulator in Nigeria, we bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the sector.
“The Commission recognizes the fact that telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, as it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially through technology. It is no longer news that telecommunications empowers individuals, connects businesses, strengthen industries and enable Governments to provide essential services efficiently thereby driving development and prosperity.
“Information Communications Technology (ICT) is not only one of the fastest growing industries – directly creating millions of jobs – but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development, as it provides the backbone infrastructure for transactional business and taxation for Government. However, maintaining this digital infrastructure and its continued growth necessitates substantial investment.
“Sustainable financing in telecommunication involves sourcing the necessary capital to build and maintain robust telecommunications networks. As regulators, we understand that this financing should be stable, accessible and conducive for industry growth. Taxation while essential for funding of Government initiatives must strike a delicate balance between revenue generation and industry growth.
“Our role as regulator, is to advocate for fair taxation practices that do not stifle innovation or place undue burden on consumers. We acknowledge the intricacies of tax policies but emphasize the importance of creating an environment where telecommunications companies can thrive. To address these challenges the Commission continuously engage both the Federal and State Government on the need to harmonize taxation in the telecommunications sector”, He stated.
In his remarks, Mallam Alkasim A. Umar
Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau,
Nigerian Communications Commission said NCC plays a critical role in the development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. He added that as the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we address the issue of sustainable financing and taxation to ensure its long term viability.
Mallam Umar reiterated NCC’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and a level-playing field for all stakeholders in the telecommunication industry, particularly in safeguarding the interest of consumers from abuse of their rights and privilege, and against unfair practices in the telecom service value chain. “This commitment is demonstrated by the Commission’s continuous effort to establish seamless programs that will Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives, such as:
to renew.
2. Above one (1) day but less than thirty (30) days has three days to renew.
3. Thirty (30) days has seven (7) days to renew.
Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport Abuja: The TELCARE desk was set u up to further provide the Commission with the following value and mileage:
Serve as additional platform to receive and facilitate the resolution of consumer complaints;
Provide a platform for telecom consumers to make enquiries on consumer issues;
Provide a platform for advocacy on any thematic consumer issue or concerns;
Enhance awareness of the Commission’s activities.
Harmonized Short Codes: Recently the Nigerian Communications Commission directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to commence implementation of approved Harmonized Short Codes (HSC) for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers. The measure initiated by the Commission is a bid to improve the Quality of Experience (QoE) of consumers across all mobile networks. The new initiative will enable consumers using the over 223 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria to use the same codes to access services across all networks. For instance, the same code *310# will be used for checking airtime balance across all the networks.
