Telecom consumers deserve quality experience, says NCC

Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says his agency is doing its best to ensure that telecommunication consumers get good service.

Speaking in Lagos at the flag off of NCC 2017 year of the Nigerian telecom consumer, Danbatta said consumers have made possible all the success stories in the sector.

“Today’s event emphasizes the position of Lagos state as the telecommunications hub of Nigeria. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics in its first quarter telecommunications sector report for 2016 placed Lagos voice subscriber base at 19.04 million or 12.8% of the country’s subscribers and 12.62 million internet subscription or 13.65%,” he said.

“The state is home to many of the key players in the telecommunications sector so it is understandable that is has been selected as the flag off city after the major event in Abuja on March 15, 2017.

“The NCC 2017 Year of the Nigerian Telecom Consumer is remarkable because the Nigerian Telecom Consumer is center stage. We must also remember that these consumers together have made all the success stories we speak about possible in the telecom industry today.”

Danbatta said “almost two months ago (March 15) NCC flagged off a national campaign of the Year of the Nigerian Telecom Consumer at its Headquarters in Abuja”.

“Sixty days hence, I am glad, we can report some progress resulting in increase in the activation of the Do-Not-Disturb short code using the 2442 facility, by more than one million consumers in this short span.

“More subscribers reported their unresolved complaints using NCC’s 622 toll-free lines in the same period. NCC Consumer Conversations are going on simultaneously every month in six zones across the country.

“Our famous faces of the Telecom Consumer, Comedienne Helen Paul and Actor Ali Nuhu are on board to sensitize consumers in this regard. The Year 2017 is dedicated to the Nigerian Telecom Consumer.

“Following a management decision that compels NCC to seek to amplify the year’s activities towards ensuring that the consumer enjoys a customer experience that is enhanced and consistent in time and quality.”

He added that the commitment to customers will not be limited to 2017 but will transcend the current year.

“In 2017, and even beyond, the Consumer will be our focus. NCC intends to inform and educate the consumer with the sole intent of protecting and empowering them to make the right decisions.

“As a regulator, NCC has the mandate to ensure all its key stakeholders are protected and their interests balanced in an atmosphere of fairness, transparency and within the framework of the NCA 2003 and other subsidiary legislations.

“Indeed, almost one year ago the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) launched an 8-Point Agenda. The agenda, which drives the NCC until 2020 aims, among other things”.

Danbatta added that the commission will:

1. Facilitate Broadband Penetration;
2. Improve Quality of Service;
3. Optimize Usage and Benefits of Spectrum;
4. Promote ICT Innovation and Investment Opportunities;
5. Facilitate Strategic Collaboration and Partnership;
6. Protect and Empower Consumers;
7. Promote Fair Competition and Inclusive Growth and
8. Ensure Regulatory Excellence and Operational Efficiency.

“Item two, Improve quality of service and item six are the core drivers of the NCC year of the consumer initiative. Item six of the agenda is Protecting and Empowering Consumers,” he added.