Business
By Anthony Isibor
TUNJI Bello, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, says that the convergence with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, will eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Bello stated that Section 105 of the FCCPA Act, 2018, explicitly provides for cooperation and collaboration between the FCCPC and sector regulators.
According to him, this synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.
He noted that the interwoven relationship between the FCCPC and NCC ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations, fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively.
He explained that the signing of the MoU symbolises the convergence of two diligent government agencies in compliance with legal requirements to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms industry.
“By this, we are also making life easier for the generality of consumers in dealing with two government agencies on the same issue at the same time.
“The journey to this milestone has been both challenging and rewarding. I am pleased that with Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, we have successfully achieved this milestone.
“Guided by our shared vision, this partnership will benefit both operators and consumers. It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.
“This is entirely consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of fostering economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency and prioritizing consumer welfare.
“Given the importance of this legal requirement, the event should inspire other sector regulators to establish similar collaborative frameworks with the FCCPC, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA. This will ensure that consumers across all sectors enjoy the benefits of coordinated and comprehensive regulatory oversight,” he added.
A.I
Jan. 15, 2025
Tags: FCCPC
