We are excited to share some intriguing news with you. Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) continues to prioritize the protection of telecom consumers’ rights and interests in Nigeria. The recent Village Square Dialogue (VSD) event held in Yola, Adamawa State was highly commended by stakeholders, including Dr. Muhammadu Mustapha, the Lamido of Adamawa. Through this dialogue, consumers and businesses were able to directly interact with the NCC on telecom-related matters, promoting transparency and accountability.
Professor Abubakar Tahir, representing the Lamido of Adamawa, conveyed his gratitude to the NCC for their valuable efforts in educating and enlightening consumers. He stressed the significance of consumer information and praised the NCC for extending this initiative to the people of Adamawa. Additionally, Lamido recommended that the NCC should explore ways to reduce the cost of telecom services further while also ensuring their availability across the country. This recommendation underscores the importance of bridging the digital divide and providing equal access to telecommunications throughout Nigeria.
Alkasim Umar, the Director of Consumer Affairs at NCC, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to safeguarding and educating consumers. Umar emphasized NCC’s responsibility in providing a conducive atmosphere for service providers to offer top-notch services. The Village Square Dialogue is a prime example of NCC’s endeavors to promote in-person exchanges between the regulator, service providers, and consumers. This forum encourages transparent conversations, clarifications, and resolutions to address consumers’ queries and issues.
In recent times, Umar highlighted some consumer-centric initiatives taken by the NCC. One such initiative is the introduction of harmonized shortcodes that provide uniform codes across all networks to access various consumer services. These shortcodes simplify tasks like airtime loading, balance checking, and contacting call centers, making it more convenient for telecom users.
The NCC’s toll-free number, 622, ensures that consumers have a direct line of communication to report service-related issues to the commission. Moreover, the availability of an emergency number, 112, further emphasizes the NCC’s commitment to ensuring public safety. Consumers can also utilize the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) shortcode, 2442, to manage unsolicited messages, empowering them to have more control over their telecommunications experience.
The Nigerian Communications Commission is dedicated to protecting the interests of telecom consumers. Through initiatives like the Village Square Dialogue, they take a proactive approach to promoting consumer protection, education, and information. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, the NCC’s efforts to improve accessibility, affordability, and quality of services will contribute to a more inclusive and digitally empowered Nigeria. Stay connected to receive the latest updates.