THE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, it has developed a series of initiatives with the aim of empowering consumers with appropriate information and to ensure that telecom consumers are well protected, informed and educated, PIE. According to the commission, this would ensure that consumers’ rights are not only protected but their choices also provide them with value for their money.

The initiatives, as explained by the Commission, include responding to enquires via the NCC call centre on a toll free number-622; organising outreach programmes across the country; and dissemination of consumer education via factsheets.

Also included are interaction via social media like twitter handle or Facebook as well as participating on radio programmes that educate consumers on their rights and privileges.

Abdullahi Maikano, director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, made this known at the 28th edition of Consumer Town Hall Meeting, CTM, held in Eket, Akwa Ibom at the weekend.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Information and Education as a catalyst for consumer protection,’ Maikano said one of the cardinal objectives of the NCC is to ensure the protection of telecom consumers from market exploitation and empowering them to make rational and informed decision when making choices of services.

The Director who was represented by Ismail Adedigba, his deputy, said that the consumer education was identified by the commission as one of the most cost effective mechanism to provide and guarantee consumer protection.

Besides, it could serve as a pro-active way of protecting consumers from making wrong choices as well as serves as a preventive measure that protects consumers from being exploited and against fraud.

He said: “The NCC, the regulator with the mandate of regulating the telecommunication industry and the protection of the telecom consumers recognise that the rights of every telecom consumer must be protected and one of the fundamental rights of telecom consumer is the right to be informed and educated. At NCC the telecom consumers are the target beneficiary of  all our activities which make them enjoy primary focus in terms of ensuring that they get good quality of service, value for money spent, timely and fair redress of complaints and protection from unwholesome practices of some service providers.”

Maikano said that the rights of telecom consumers include: right to receive correct information on service they subscribed to; the right to be provided with clear, complete and accurate information with a language that will be understood and guide consumers to make informed decision on products and services offered to them.

—  Jul 03, 2017 @ 01:00 GMT