By Zakari Isah - Kaduna
In a gathering graced by esteemed personalities such as the President of Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), CEOs of various companies, indigenous and foreign exhibitors, and entrepreneurs, the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair witnessed a special day dedicated to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, addressed the audience, expressing pleasure and highlighting the NCC's commitment to local content development in the telecoms industry. The theme, "Sustaining Economic Recovery through Deepening Local Content Value Chain," aligns with the NCC's principles and objectives.
As an independent regulatory authority overseeing telecommunication services in Nigeria, the NCC's vision is to create a dynamic regulatory environment ensuring universal access, affordability, and equitable service to support the nation's economic growth.
Dr. Maida represented by the Director Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, emphasized the NCC's role in ensuring service availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for consumers leveraging ICT/Telecoms for personal and business activities. The introduction of the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution, and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk at Nnamik Azikowe International Airport Abuja is one initiative facilitating the resolution of consumer complaints.
Highlighting the telecom industry's substantial contribution to the nation's GDP at 13.5% in 2023, Dr. Maida underscored the need to address consumer challenges while promoting economic growth. The NCC has implemented measures, including a robust regulatory framework, consumer redress channels, and initiatives like the National Identification Number-Subscriber Identification Module (NIN-SIM) linkage campaign.
Consumer-centric initiatives such as the Telecom Consumer Parliament, Consumer Complaints Management, and the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code aim to protect and empower consumers. The NCC also emphasized its commitment to consumer education through various outreach programs, town halls, and trade fairs.
Additionally, Dr. Maida highlighted initiatives like the Harmonized Short Codes, Digital Economy support, and measures against pre-registered SIM cards. The direction on data rollover, development of DND short codes, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), and campaigns against pre-registered SIM cards were also emphasized.
Of significant importance is the NCC's call for telecom consumers to link their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIMs by February 28, 2024, for national security reasons, with non-compliance leading to disconnection.
Dr. Maida concluded by thanking the organizers of the trade fair, urging participants to utilize the NCC Pavilion for inquiries and interaction with service providers.
In closing, he wished all participants a successful and productive trade fair.
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