Telecom
NCC Expresses Commitment to Deepening Consumer Protection
Since the establishment of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), it has been consistent in deepening and protecting the rights of consumers. Indeed, one of the core mandates of the NCC is to protect the rights of telecom consumers in Nigeria. The protection of the rights is enshrined in Chapter VII of the NCC Act (NCA 2003), that gave legality to the Consumer Affairs Bureau, a key department of the NCC.
Prof Umar Danbatta, EVC, NCC
At an interactive session recently in Abuja, Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, enumerated the efforts of the commission in the protection of the rights of telecom consumers.
Danbatta who was appointed NCC Executive Vice Chairman in November 2015 and reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2020 and confirmed by the Senate on July 21, 2020, reiterated the commitment of NCC to protect Nigeria’s telecom consumers.
He said: “The consumer is king; hence our consumer-centric regulatory initiatives to ensure consumer protection; information and education have continued to top our agenda. “To further empower consumers, in 2016 we introduced the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code, which gave consumers the power to opt-in or out of unsolicited messages on their respective networks.”
The EVC said it was because of the importance attached to consumer protection that the NCC declared 2017 as “The Year of the Consumer” and set out with various projects to bring telecom consumers closer to the commission and their various network operators.
He said: “The commission also upgraded the NCC-Free number 522 as secondary complaints mechanism to further empower and resolve consumer complaints. We also issued directives on data roll-over and another on forceful subscription of data services and value-added services. The two directives have ensured effective protection of telecom consumers.”
Danbatta recalled that in 2019, the commission revised the NCC Consumer Complaints and Services Legal Agreement (CC/SLAs) with the operators in order to ensure prompt response to consumer complaints, and also reviewed the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations at a Public Inquiry.
He said: “We initiated the Mobile Services Management Systems, in collaboration with other agencies aimed at protecting consumers from the negative effect of substandard devices on the networks and the health of telecom consumers. The Mobile Services Management Systems project, when fully implemented, will help in combating the proliferation of fake, counterfeit and cloned communication devices in the telecommunications industry. Similarly, we have developed regulations on E-Waste.”
According to Danbatta, the regulations will ensure that we are also able to rid our environment of indiscriminate disposal of malfunctioning and disused gadgets, which are capable of posing health risks to consumers.
“I also need to mention our commitment in protecting the lives and property of telecom consumers by getting rid of improperly registered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards. We conduct periodic audit of the networks to ensure the MNOs do not harbour improperly registered SIM cards on their networks any further,” he emphasised.
Danbatta announced that 19 Emergency Communications Centres have been activated across the country.
He said: “ The 112 national emergency number allows Nigerians in distress to get help in emergencies. The 112 number has become a major channel of communication during this COVID-19 period as over 1,200 COVID-19 related calls were made to the 112 national emergency toll free number between March and June 2020 from the various ECCs across the country.
When Danbatta spoke at the 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair and Exhibition, he reiterated the commitment of the commission in its fight against the abuse of customers’ rights and privileges. He emphasised that consumers of telecommunications services deserved to get value for their money and be treated as very important stakeholders in the scheme of things as far as service delivery is concerned.
Danbatta maintained that his administration is fighting to protect consumers from unfair practices through availability of information and education to make informed choices in the use of ICT services. He said: “Our objective is to engage, empower, educate and inform the consumers about their rights and responsibilities, opportunities and solutions that are available in the industry. The essence of this is to reassure the consumers that the issue of protecting them from unfair practices is no mere talk. We have put the service providers on special notice about our current monitoring of user experience on issues of poor reception, wrong billings and deductions, automatic roll over among other issues, and if they fail to improve services to the detriment of the consumers, will face appropriate regulatory actions and sanctions.”
The performance of NCC has not gone unnoticed, as Yahaya Garba, Commissioner for Federal Capital Territory of the Public Complaints Commission, during a visit in July 2019 to NCC headquarters in Abuja, commended the commission for effective protection of telecom consumers’ rights.
Garba said: “For us at PCC, we would like to commend the NCC in recognition of its efforts in implementing the National Telecommunications Policy, regulating the telecom sector and protecting the rights of consumers and operating companies alike.”
Garba particularly stated that PCC initiated the visit to get familiarised with the NCC’s functions and operations with regards to telecom consumer protection, deepen areas of collaboration and solicit ICT capacity building for PCC staff by the telecom regulator.
Airtel Nigeria has upgraded its My Airtel App with a fully integrated eShop feature, transforming the platform into a complete digital shopping destination. With this update, customers can now enjoy a full retail experience directly within the existing subscriber app—beyond simply buying airtime or data.
The eShop feature offers a wide selection of products ranging from Airtel-branded items such as Home Broadband (HBB) devices and everyday retail items such as electronics, home appliances, fashion, and beauty products.
Speaking on the new feature, Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, emphasized the brand’s ongoing focus on innovation and customer-centricity.
“At Airtel, we understand that today’s customers value convenience above all else. This update is part of our broader mission to simplify digital experiences and make everyday transactions easier and faster. By integrating the eShop directly into the My Airtel App, we’re eliminating unnecessary steps and giving users the freedom to do more within a single platform,” he said.
The update enhances the app’s functionality by allowing customers to access the eShop directly from the home screen, eliminating the need for external redirection to web browsers or third-party platforms.
“We’re moving beyond basic connectivity towards building a digital ecosystem that supports the lifestyle needs of our customers. Whether it’s purchasing a device, recharging, or shopping for everyday items, we’re putting more power and choice in the hands of our users,” Adeshina added.
The My Airtel App continues to serve as a key platform for Airtel subscribers, offering self-service options, quick access to bundles, account management tools, and now, a more robust digital shopping channel.
Telecommunications subscribers in the country could soon be paying 5 percent more for data and voice services if President Bola Tinubu signs Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 into law.
Passed in the Senate on May 8, 2025, the bill reintroduces a controversial 5 percent excise tax on telecom services, a move telecom operators, subscribers and consumer rights groups have strongly opposed.
The bill revived the excise tax first introduced in the Finance Act of 2020 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had suspended the tax in July 2023, citing concerns that it could exacerbate inflation and hinder access to digital services, especially for low-income Nigerians.
The 2020 Finance Act had expanded the list of goods and services subject to excise duty, including telecom services.
However, the measure drew immediate and widespread criticism from telecom operators and consumer advocacy groups, who argued that the additional cost would burden citizens and increase the price of essential services in an already fragile economy.
Excise duty is a tax on certain goods produced or sold within a country and other activities as may be specified in the enabling law, including services.
As contained in the 2022 Finance Act, the tax is chargeable on all services regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (“NCC”) listed as postpaid and prepaid services at the rate of 5% for 2022, 2023 & 2024.
According to a report by PWC at the time, prior to the suspension of excise duty on certain goods in 2009, excise duty was applicable on recharge cards/vouchers.
The telecommunication companies are to pay the tax based on the excisable value of postpaid and prepaid services.
In July 2023, President Tinubu signed an Executive Order suspending the “5% Excise Tax on telecommunication services as well as the Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products.”
Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) has released its annual Travel Trends 2025 report, revealing the latest consumer spending insights and motivation when it comes to travel.
Cross-border movement is often influenced by the most pressing economic factors of the moment, such as exchange rates and geopolitical tensions. However, these are not the only factors driving consumers’ travel spending decisions, including those in Africa. Personal and purpose-driven factors remain powerful even when economic uncertainty looms.
Building on the resilience of the global travel sector seen last year, the 2025 report highlights how destinations across the African continent are increasingly appealing to tourists and, creating additional opportunities for local markets to develop tourism.
“Africa is emerging as a global leader in purpose-driven travel, where nature, wellness, and culinary experiences are redefining the continent’s tourism landscape. These trends present a powerful opportunity to drive inclusive growth, support local economies, and position Africa as a key player in the future of global tourism,” said Mark Elliot, division president, Africa, Mastercard.
Whether drawn by Namibia’s wellness retreats, South Africa’s wilderness experiences or Morocco’s vibrant culinary scene, travelers are expanding their horizons beyond traditional hotspots.
“Tourism is playing an important role in Africa’s growth story. Travelers are increasingly drawn to the continent’s natural beauty, culinary diversity, and wellness experiences. While economic and geopolitical factors matter, the pursuit of meaningful, purpose-driven travel remains strong. The Mastercard Economics Institute’s report sheds light on how countries are tapping into this trend to attract visitors and boost local economies,” said Khatija Haque, chief economist EEMEA, Mastercard Economics Institute.
By exploring a full range of travel motivations, the report identifies the main themes shaping travel today:
Africa trends:
- Nature-fueled adventures: South Africa and Zambia dominate cross-border spending around national park areas. Spending around South Africa’s major national parks far outpaced that of other countries, with nearly a quarter of the cross-border spending occurring within these zones. Zambia is also highly ranked as an outdoor adventure destination.
- Culinary crossroads: Marrakech ranks highly on the foodie list with its median restaurant hosting tourists from many different countries, often to enjoy meals of tagine and b’stilla. Cape Town is also on the list, with its bobotie dish proving popular with visitors.
- Wellness in the wild: Africa is establishing itself as a global leader in wellness-centered travel as consumers prioritize rejuvenation and self-care. Namibia, South Africa and Botswana are among the top destinations for travelers seeking spa-style and nature-based retreats and immersive eco lodges. Kenya is also ranked among the top 20 destinations for wellness In the Mastercard Wellness Index 2025.
Other global trends:
- Spa, summit and savor: Personal passions and goals motivate travel choices. Adventure-seekers are heading to the Nordics, where Finland’s national parks account for 7.1% of cross-border spending in the country.
- Summer destination draws: The Asia-Pacific region commands the list of trending summer destinations. Flight booking data reveals the top global destinations gaining most momentum for June-September travel, relative to last year. Tokyo is the number one trending spot for summer 2025, followed by Osaka and then Paris.
- Fuelled by fans: Fans travel internationally to see their favorite teams and athletes play. Case in point? During Shohei Ohtani’s World Series debut, spending by Japanese visitors in Los Angeles surged by 91%, six times the broader cross-border boost.
- Money matters: Despite geopolitical tensions and fluctuating prices, the factors that motivate consumers to travel are often more complex than just economic. But currency depreciation can make certain destinations, like Japan, more attractive due to their better value for money.
- Wheeling and dealing closer to home: In general, business travelers favor longer trips within their own regions, driven by hybrid work models and geopolitical uncertainty. However, there are exceptions, with UK businesses spending a growing share of their travel budgets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mastercard is dedicated to helping the global tourism sector grow through market analysis and high-frequency, data-driven insights that enhance the travel experience. By empowering destinations and businesses to better understand evolving consumer trends, Mastercard is helping to shape a more connected and resilient future for travel across Africa.
You can view the full “Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven journeys” and other reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found here.
Lagos Slush’D 2025 To Promote Creativity among Start-ups
Stakeholders Seek Strengthening of Digital Infrastructure @ IoT West Africa
Airtel Introduces Full Shopping Experience Within My Airtel App
Jumia Expands Delivery Service to Nigeria
Q1 2025 .ng Domain Name Statistics Reflect Nigeria’s Advancing Digital Landscape
Telecom3 days agoNigeria to Receive $3Bn Telecoms Infrastructure in June – Minister
E-Business3 days agoWhy Even the Most Experienced can Fall Victim of AI Phishing Attacks
Telecom3 days agoLegend Internet Debuts Nigeria’s First Fibre-to-the-room Service
E-Business3 days agoNIPOST Partners KLM on Global Mail Delivery
E-Financial3 days agoCBN Issues Advisory on Scammers Flaunting Fake Contracts
News3 days agoBritish High Commission Reaffirms Strong Ties with Nigeria
Telecom3 days agoNASENI Commends President Tinubu’s Push for Local Industry Growth
News3 days agoNERC Orders DisCos to Compensate Band A Customers in 557 Streets