By Nse Anthony-Uko,
ABUJA, (Sundiata Post) – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dedicated Year 2017 to the Nigerian Telecom Consumers, in line with its recognition of the consumer as the bloodline for operators’ survival.
The Commission also unveiled two Nigerian artistes, Helen Paul and Ali Nuhu, as faces of the Nigerian Telecom Consumer, to help communicate with consumers in the way they will understand.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, while flagging off the “2017- Year Of The Consumer” Campaign in Abuja on Wednesday, noted that the Nigerian Telecom Consumers is regarded as the weak link in the sector providing the revenues for the survival of operators yet not receiving the commensurate quality of service or satisfaction.
Professor Danbatta said that the NCC made took a management decision to ensure that the consumer enjoys quality of service and that cannot be taken for granted.
According to him, flagging off the campaign on a day which coincides with the World Consumer Rights Day reiterated NCC’s commitment to ensuring that the consumer gets value for his money.
He said that in 2017 and beyond, the consumer will be major focus of regulatory activities of the commission t with the sole intent of empowering them with timely information to make the right choices.
He recalled that the NCC in February 2016 launched an 8-point agenda aimed to be achieved by 2020.
However, noted that the Year of the Nigerian Telecom Consumer is predicated on items two and six which are ‘Improving quality of service’ and ‘Protect and empower consumers’
Professor Danbatta said the NCC will also widen and deepen the scope of the information available to consumers them to make informed decision through the use of the ‘2442 – Do not Disturb’ code to stop unsolicited text messages and calls as well as use of
622 toll free line for consumers’ complaint and enquiries.
He also said the commission will implement measures to reduce drop call rates.
The EVC assured the campaign will be closely monitored, tracked and reviewed by the Network Integrity Services of the NCC to ensure its success.