Dr. Maida Aminu Highlights Critical Issues Affecting telecommunications ecosystem businesses, consumers, service providers.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida, has highlighted some critical issues affecting telecommunications ecosystem businesses, consumers as well as service providers in Nigeria  

He also highlighted some of the benefits on the telecom industry and the entire socio-economic system in the country

Aminu stated this during the Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum on the Draft A2P Licensing Framework held on Friday, December 20, 2024.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this Stakeholder Forum on Application-to-Perso and A2P, Messaging.

“ I extend my gratitude to you for being here today as we come together to deliberate on a critical segment of the telecommunications ecosystem that affects businesses, consumers, and service providers alike”

“A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. It 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 drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports our socio-economic development”

He said “ at the NCC our strategic focus is centred on three key stakeholders; the government, consumers, and the industry on our licensees”

“Each of these stakeholders plays a vital role in the success of the A2P messaging platform”

“For the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information”

“For consumers, it guarantees timely, secure, and reliable access to essential updates and services”

“For the industry, it creates opportunities for businesses and service providers to innovate, drive competition, and achieve sustainable growth”

He noted that despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness, adding that these gaps have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem.

The Chairman who was ably represented by the Head, Legal and Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, said that such challenges not only affect businesses and consumers but also pose a threat to the sustainable growth and potential of this crucial communication tool.

According to him, this forum marks a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges. Today we will be presenting the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging to you and our valued stakeholders for deliberation.

“This framework represents our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent, and secure environment”

“At the NCC, we firmly believe that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration”

“This forum is an opportunity for all of us including operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers to engage in meaningful discussions” “We want to hear from you on your perspectives, experiences, and recommendations so that together, we can refine this framework to ensure it meets the needs of all of us”

“Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth. To achieve this, your active participation today is essential. I urge you to engage constructively, provide feedback, and contribute ideas that will help shape the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria”

“Let me assure you that the NCC remains committed to providing a regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects stakeholders, and ensures that our telecommunications sector continues to thrive” Maida stated