NCC Threatens to Sanction Telcos over Poor Service Delivery

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has assured the over 179 million subscribers across all networks that it would continue to protect the interest of telecoms consumers and sanction any operator that offers unsatisfactory services to consumers.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman and CEO of NCC,  who stated this at the just ended  33rd Lagos International Trade Fair, which ended yesterday in Lagos., said: “As a telecom consumer you deserve the right to get value for your investment. NCC as your regulator has devised ways to lodge your complaints when you are dissatisfied with the services provided by your telecoms operators (Telcos). The Commission will apply appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions against such service provider.”

Danbatta, who was represented by Ismail Adedigba, head, Information and Reference, Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, said that the Commission adopted different strategies to reach out to consumers. He said participating at strategic international trade fairs such as the Lagos International Trade Fair, organised yearly by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), is one of them, adding that International Trade Fairs, over the years, have served as viable platforms for reaching out to teeming telecoms consumers.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission special day at this year’s trade fair, aims at educating and informing consumers on the use of communication services and their rights as telecom consumers,” Danbatta said.

He listed several measures taken by the NCC to address consumers’ challenges to include the introduction of DO-NOT-DISTURB (DND) with the 2442 dedicated short code that enables subscribers take informed and independent decisions against unsolicited text messages offered by Value Added Service (VAS) providers, in conjunction with Telcos.

Others include the introduction of Toll-Free Number 622, as a second-level complaint redress mechanism, which allows consumers to escalate unresolved issues by their service providers to the Commission for effective resolutions, among others.

Danbatta advised all consumers not to open emails not familiar to them, never to post personal identification information online or save their password online, to avoid falling victims of cyberattacks.

Mr. Paul Babatunde Oluwasei, president of LCCI, while highlighting the theme for this year’s trade fair: ‘Connecting Businesses And Creating Value’, commended the NCC for its efforts in connecting telecoms businesses to local and foreign investors, through the use of telephone services, which it regulates with passion.

Mrs. Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, director, Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, in her opening remarks, highlighted the important role of telecoms services as well as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), in enhancing businesses, creating new business line, driving innovation and accelerating value addition, which she said remained  inherent in the overarching thematic focus of the Lagos International Trade Fair.

Onwuegbuchulam who was also represented by Mr. Henry Ojiokpota, Lagos Zonal Controller at NCC, said: “Consistent with the theme of this year’s International Trade Fair, the NCC, as telecoms industry regulator, is at the centre of connecting businesses through telecoms infrastructure development initiatives to improve business efficiency and effectiveness for growth.

“Our mandate at the NCC is to ensure increased quality of service experience for the consumers of voice and data in the telecoms industry and we do this through many initiatives.”