NCC sets to empower, protect consumers of telecommunication services

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday said it would empower and protect consumers of telecommunication services as it would flag off its 2017 Consumers Campaign on March 15.

Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, made this known in a statement signed by Mr Tony Ojobo, NCC Director of Public Affairs, in Abuja.

“One month after the NCC declared 2017, the Year of the Consumer, it is set to flag off this strategic campaign on March 15.

“The NCC will use the flag off to unveil the strategy and series of activities aimed at empowering and protecting the consumers of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

“Improving the experience of the consumers will be the major focus of the commission, and working with key stakeholders vital to the success of the campaign,” he said.

Danbatta said that consumers’ protection and empowerment was one of the pillars of the Eight-Point Agenda of his administration.

He said that the commission was dedicating the year to the welfare of telecommunication consumers.

“The flag off for the year round programme, which will hold at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, is expected to attract consumers across the country, top government officials and key stakeholders in the industry.

“The Abuja event coincides with the commemoration of the 2017 World Consumers Rights Day, with the theme: “Building a Digital World Consumers Can Trust”.

According to him, the key components of the Year of the Consumers include creation of greater awareness on Quality of Service, Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), Do Not Disturb (DND), and NCCs 622 complaint lines.

Danbatta hoped that the campaign would enjoin the support of network operators toward meeting the set targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on quality of services, especially as it affects drop calls.

He said that the year would also witness a massive awareness drive to make consumers take advantage of the commission’s unique programmes.

They include “Do-Not-Disturb Code, 2442, which consumers can use to stop unsolicited text messages.

“Toll free number 622 with which consumers can reach the commission in cases where the service providers fail to resolve their complaints.

“Telecommunication Consumers 2017 will also witness a new programme tagged: “NCC Consumers Conversations” plans for different locations across the geopolitical zones for stakeholders’ interaction and consumers’ information empowerment.