NCC Threatens N10m Fine on Operators for Unauthorised Ads, Promos

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would impose N10 million fine on any service provider that violates the Commission’s guidelines on the promotion of adverts in the telecoms networks.

Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman of NCC, explained that due to the rapid growth in the telecoms industry that the Commission has noticed high incidences of non-compliance to advert regulations by service operators, adding that stringent penalty was required to ensure strict compliance.

He stated this Tuesday at the public inquiries on the draft enforcement processes/procedures, regulations and SIM replacement guidelines held in Abuja.

He warned that continuous violation of regulations by operators would eventually lead to withdrawal of regulatory assistance by NCC, adding that the Commission would take all necessary measures to ensure that telecoms operators’ compliance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines with regard to adverts promotions.

On the quality of service, the NCC boss contended that there has been a marginal improved quality of service recently, noting that the Commission has been measuring the key performance indicators of operators.

Also speaking, Yetunde Akinloye, head of Legal Services in the NCC, explained that the enforcement processes, regulations and SIM replacement  are being amended  after 10 years to ensure best practice in the industry and in tune with the current realities.

Akinloye said the running of promos on the telecoms networks without the approval of NCC violates the regulations on adverts promotions, noting that the new regulations would come into effect before the end of the year.

According to her, the regulations when finalised would provide a more robust framework for effective and efficient processes/procedures for carrying out enforcement in the telecoms industry as the regulations have been amended to reflect best practice in the industry.