By Barnabas Esiet.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), delivered a keynote speech at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the telecom industry.
The event, held on August 8, 2024, focused on optimizing data experience and empowering consumers through awareness and transparency ¹.
Dr. Maida highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, with over 132 million internet users and an average daily data usage of 336 gigabytes per second.
He attributed this growth to the increased adoption of social media, e-commerce, online banking, and other digital services.
*Challenges Facing Consumers*
Despite this growth, Dr. Maida acknowledged concerns over data depletion and billing transparency.
He explained that high-resolution devices and improved technologies contribute to increased data consumption, leading to faster data depletion.
Additionally, complex operator tariffs and background applications running on devices can consume data without users’ knowledge.
*NCC’s Response*
To address these concerns, the NCC launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage.
The campaign aims to educate consumers on effective data management and provide tips on reducing data consumption.
Dr. Maida also announced the issuance of a Guidance on Tariff Simplification, requiring operators to provide clear, accessible information on data plans and pricing.
*Prioritizing Consumer Satisfaction*
Dr. Maida emphasized the NCC’s commitment to consumer satisfaction, ensuring that consumers receive optimal quality of service and experience.
He highlighted the commission’s strategic vision, focusing on five key drivers: people, collaboration, data-driven decision-making, compliance, and digitization.
*Industry Challenges and Opportunities*
Dr. Maida discussed the challenges facing the telecom industry, including vandalism and theft of infrastructure, and the impact of macroeconomic challenges on operators’ ability to invest in the sector.
However, he also highlighted opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly with the rollout of 5G technology.
In conclusion, Dr. Aminu Maida’s speech at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament underscored the NCC’s dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and consumer satisfaction in Nigeria’s telecom industry.
As the sector continues to evolve, the commission remains committed to addressing emerging challenges and harnessing opportunities for growth and innovation.
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