By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
As global technology continues to evolve, so does the demand for better telecom services. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under the stewardship of Dr. Aminu Maida, has been at the forefront of this evolution, ensuring that consumers are not only connected but also empowered and satisfied.
At the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) held on November 7, 2024, in Abuja, Dr. Maida’s speech underscored his commitment to making Nigeria’s telecom industry truly consumer-centric.
With a theme focused on “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency,” Dr. Maida spoke passionately about how the telecom landscape has been revolutionized over the past two decades. In a country where more than 132 million internet connections exist, he emphasized the NCC’s commitment to ensuring Nigerians benefit from high-quality, accessible, and transparent digital services.
Transforming Telecom Access with Cutting-Edge Technology
Dr. Maida highlighted the significant technological strides made in Nigeria’s telecom industry, evolving from basic voice services to high-speed data networks, and culminating in the advent of 5G technology.
According to him, “With the rollout of 3G, 4G, and now 5G, we’ve seen Nigerians adopting social media, e-commerce, online banking, and more.” The leap from 4G LTE to 5G has opened the door to innovations like smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT), creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals.
Dr. Maida’s leadership at the NCC has ensured that Nigeria is aligned with global technology trends, enabling the country to keep up with the digital age. His forward-thinking approach is evident in the Commission’s recent initiatives, including tariff simplification guidance and the issuance of new guidelines to strengthen service delivery across the value chain. His policies reflect a deep understanding of the need to enhance consumer satisfaction while fostering a competitive telecom environment.
Addressing Consumer Concerns on Data and Billing Transparency
As data usage surges across Nigeria, the NCC has proactively responded to one of the most pressing issues faced by consumers: data depletion and billing transparency. Many Nigerians have voiced concerns that their data depletes faster than expected, a sentiment Dr. Maida acknowledges. He shared NCC’s findings on this issue, explaining that “improved technologies, ultra-high-definition screens, and complex operator tariffs” have contributed to higher data consumption rates.
In response, the NCC, led by Dr. Maida, launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness, educating Nigerians on smarter data usage. Through this campaign, consumers have been encouraged to track their data usage, set limits, and better understand how high-resolution content impacts data consumption. This initiative reflects Dr. Maida’s belief that “an informed consumer is a better-equipped consumer.”
Ensuring Transparency and Empowering Consumers
In line with his commitment to transparency, Dr. Maida directed NCC’s efforts toward simplifying tariff structures, a move aimed at making it easier for consumers to make informed choices. The upcoming changes will require operators to present tables outlining data plans, billing rates, and terms and conditions, making data usage costs clearer and more predictable.
Further demonstrating his consumer-focused approach, Dr. Maida announced that the NCC is working on coverage maps, allowing consumers to gauge network quality across Nigeria. These maps will provide valuable insights into network strength, coverage gaps, and signal quality, empowering Nigerians to choose operators that best meet their needs.
A Holistic Approach to Quality Service
At the core of Dr. Maida’s vision for the NCC is his commitment to delivering a holistic Quality of Experience (QoE) for consumers. He recognizes that maintaining high-quality telecom services requires collaboration across the industry. By holding each player in the telecom value chain accountable—from Mobile Network Operators to infrastructure providers—the NCC aims to ensure that Nigerians enjoy uninterrupted, quality telecom services.
“Quality service delivery is not solely the responsibility of Mobile Network Operators; it requires collaboration across the value chain,” he said, explaining that TowerCos and backhaul service providers also play essential roles in maintaining service quality.
Defending Telecom Infrastructure Amid Challenges
Dr. Maida’s leadership also extends to safeguarding Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure. Vandalism and theft of telecom assets have long posed challenges to the sector, impacting service quality and continuity. However, in a significant milestone, the NCC’s advocacy efforts led to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signing a Presidential Order designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure. This Executive Order strengthens the Commission’s ability to protect telecom assets and ensure reliable service for Nigerians.
Looking to the Future
With his focus on innovation, transparency, and consumer empowerment, Dr. Aminu Maida’s leadership is shaping a future where telecom consumers feel valued and empowered. The Commission’s upcoming guidelines, which include Major Incident Reporting, reinforce his commitment to keeping consumers informed about incidents affecting network services, further bolstering consumer trust.
As Dr. Maida stated in his closing remarks at the Telecom Consumer Parliament, “Our goal is to create a truly consumer-centric telecom industry, in which consumers feel valued, informed, empowered, and satisfied with the services they receive.” This statement reflects his steadfast dedication to improving consumer experiences in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Aminu Maida is not only advancing the Nigerian telecom industry but also setting a standard for transparency and accountability in Africa’s digital landscape. As Nigeria moves deeper into the digital age, the NCC’s initiatives promise to bring the nation closer to a world-class telecom experience that prioritizes and empowers consumers.
