Consumers are the most important part of any business, and their protection is of utmost importance.
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday, joined the global community to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day, with a focus on protecting the rights of telecommunications consumers in Nigeria.
At the event held at the NCC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, was represented by Executive Commissioner, Technical Services Designate at NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, who apologized for Dr. Maida’s absence due to a crucial national issue.
Maida emphasized the importance of consumer protection, stating that “consumers are the most important part of any business, and their protection is of utmost importance.”
The event brought together industry stakeholders, including CEOs and representatives of telecom service providers, consumer advocacy groups, and members of the press.
The NCC reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of telecommunications consumers, ensuring quality service delivery, and promoting a fair and competitive market.
The commission also used the occasion to raise awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities, and to educate consumers on how to seek redress for any grievances.
The NCC’s celebration of World Consumer Rights Day also featured a series of activities, including a consumer forum, where telecom consumers shared their experiences and challenges with the commission.
The commission also launched a consumer awareness campaign, tagged “Know Your Rights,” aimed at educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities in the telecommunications sector.
In addition, the NCC announced plans to establish a Consumer Complaints Resolution Desk, where consumers can report their grievances and receive prompt attention.
The Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) Chairman, who was present at the event, commended the NCC for its efforts to protect consumer rights and promote a consumer-centric telecommunications industry.
The event ended with a call to action, urging consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, and to demand quality service from their telecom service providers.
The NCC’s celebration of World Consumer Rights Day demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing consumer welfare and promoting a fair and competitive telecommunications market in Nigeria.
The NCC’s efforts to protect consumer rights have been commendable, with initiatives such as the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) code, which allows consumers to opt-out of unsolicited messages, and the 2442 short code, which enables consumers to lodge complaints about their telecom service providers.
The commission has also been working to improve quality of service, with initiatives such as the Quality of Service (QoS) framework, which sets standards for telecom service providers to ensure they deliver high-quality services to consumers.
As the telecommunications sector continues to evolve, the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection remains steadfast. The commission’s celebration of World Consumer Rights Day serves as a reminder of its dedication to prioritizing consumer welfare and promoting a fair and competitive telecommunications market in Nigeria.
In his closing remarks, EVC/CEO thanked the stakeholders for their participation and reiterated the commission’s commitment to consumer protection.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of telecom consumers are protected, and that they receive quality services from their telecom service providers,” he said.
The event ended with a vote of thanks, and attendees left with a renewed sense of awareness about their rights as telecom consumers.
The NCC’s celebration of World Consumer Rights Day has been hailed as a success, with stakeholders praising the commission’s efforts to promote consumer awareness and protection.
As the telecommunications sector continues to grow, the NCC’s commitment to consumer protection remains crucial.
With initiatives like the “Know Your Rights” campaign and the Consumer Complaints Resolution Desk, the NCC is empowering consumers to demand quality services and seek redress when necessary.
The commission’s efforts are a testament to its dedication to prioritizing consumer welfare and promoting a fair and competitive telecommunications market in Nigeria.
World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 to raise awareness about consumer rights and protection. The NCC’s celebration of this day demonstrates its dedication to prioritizing consumer welfare and promoting a consumer-centric telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
