The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has stated that the Commission is committed to engendering innovation in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector as well as ensuring that it upholds transparency and consumer protection..
He stated this during a stakeholder engagement forum in Abuja.
According to Dr. Maida there have been transformative development in the sector in the last two decades which he said were indicative of the Commission’s strategic pivot toward modern, market-driven regulation.
“Our focus has shifted from traditional rule-making and enforcement to fostering competition, encouraging corporate governance, and embracing information disclosure as a regulatory tool,” said Dr. Maida.
He disclosed that the country currently boasts of 171 million active telecom subscribers; 141 million internet users (representing 81.9% penetration) and 105 million broadband subscribers.
To improve transparency and enable informed consumer choices, Maida said the Commission has rolled out several key initiatives:
Public release of operator performance data; a major Incident Reporting Portal; real-time public map of network performance and quarterly quality-of-service performance reports based on independent data.
“These initiatives allow consumers to make better decisions and simultaneously hold operators accountable for the services they provide,” Dr. Maida said.
The EVC also emphasized the direct correlation between strong corporate governance and improved service delivery, investor confidence, and regulatory compliance.
“Where corporate governance is stronger, we see better financial performance, more reliable service delivery, and improved compliance. It’s a proven relationship, backed by data,” he added.
Dr. Maida also acknowledged ongoing challenges in Quality of Service (QoS) and assured stakeholders of continued infrastructure investment and operational improvements. He noted that equipment ordered by operators has begun arriving in-country and installation is underway, despite logistical challenges.
In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he explained that the Commission has also established a joint task force to address issues surrounding failed top-ups and recharge transactions. This includes a new standardized operational framework currently under legal review, which is expected to enhance dispute resolution and customer satisfaction.
The Commission according to him, has also addressed the widespread perception of data depletion. A recent audit by Tier-1 firms, including PwC and KPMG, confirmed no systemic overcharging or data theft by operators. Instead, the NCC identified issues related to confusing tariff structures. In response, a tariff simplification guideline has been issued to ensure greater transparency and ease of understanding for consumers.
At at the forum, the Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau, Freda Bruce-Bennett, shared practical tips for Nigerians to manage their data usage more efficiently:
Disable autoplay features on apps like Instagram and TikTok to reduce passive data drain; restrict background data usage by disabling access for inactive apps; block intrusive ads, which both consume data and disrupt user experience.
“These simple actions can significantly reduce unnecessary data consumption and improve user experience,” she said.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs, highlighted the vital role of the media in conveying the Commission’s policies and initiatives to the Nigerian public.
“The media are critical stakeholders in this ecosystem. This forum is a direct response to calls for more interaction and transparency between the Commission and the public,” she stated.
