By Newsshelve Correspondent.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) took a significant step towards addressing regulatory gaps in the telecommunications sector by hosting a virtual stakeholder forum on the draft Application-to-Person (A2P) licensing framework.
The event, held on December 20, 2024, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the critical segment of the telecommunications ecosystem that affects businesses, consumers, and service providers alike.
Chizua Whyte, Acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, delivered the welcome address on behalf of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC.
She emphasized the vital role A2P messaging plays in today’s digital world, driving efficiency, enhancing communication, and supporting socio-economic development.
According to her, A2P messaging has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional, or service-related, directly to consumers.
“From bank alerts and healthcare reminders to promotional campaigns and government updates, A2P messaging has become indispensable for businesses, consumers, and the government.
“Despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness.
“These gaps have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem.”
The proposed regulatory framework aims to address these challenges by fostering innovation while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent, and secure environment.
The NCC emphasized the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in effective regulation, stating that the goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth.
The forum provided a platform for key industry stakeholders, including operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers, to engage in meaningful discussions about the draft framework.
The NCC presented feedback received as inputs into the A2P Licensing Framework and responded to observations and recommendations made by the licensees ⁵.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to providing a regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects stakeholders, and ensures that the telecommunications sector continues to thrive.
The NCC will continue to engage internal and external stakeholders ahead of the final draft of the A2P Messaging Services Licensing Framework, ensuring a participatory rule-making process.
The virtual stakeholder forum marked a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing the A2P messaging space in Nigeria.
The NCC’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration will ensure that the proposed regulatory framework meets the needs of all stakeholders, ultimately creating a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem
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