Susan Abayomi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to empower telecommunications consumers through increased public awareness, improved service delivery and stronger regulatory protection, while urging Nigerians to adopt responsible data management practices and remain vigilant against cyber threats.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to educating subscribers on their rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding personal information protection, data consumption and the effective use of telecommunications services.
Mrs Maryan Gwandu, who represented the Director of Zonal Operations, Mr Usman Malla, disclosed this on Friday during a sensitisation programme on data management, consumer protection and regulatory initiatives held at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
Gwandu explained that the programme was organised to bridge the information gap between telecommunications service providers and consumers by educating participants on existing regulatory protections and available channels for resolving complaints.
She said the sensitisation exercise addressed important issues, including effective data management, SIM management, unsolicited messages, quality of service and Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
According to her, subscribers also have a responsibility to safeguard their personal information, monitor their telecommunications services and promptly report service-related challenges through the appropriate channels provided by the Commission.
Also speaking, the NCC team lead, Mrs Anthonia Ita-Nyong, explained that Kogi State Polytechnic was selected for the programme because students rely heavily on telecommunications services and internet data for academic research, assignments, communication and other educational activities.
Ita-Nyong also highlighted the Commission’s Device Checker initiative, which allows consumers to verify whether mobile phones have received NCC type approval before purchasing them.
She noted that the initiative was introduced to protect consumers from substandard mobile devices that could affect safety, device performance and the quality of telecommunications services.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Sanusi Avidime, represented by his Deputy, Professor Godwin Onamah, commended the NCC for extending its consumer education campaign to the institution.
He encouraged students and other participants to take advantage of the initiative by acquiring relevant knowledge about their rights and responsibilities as telecommunications consumers.
The Rector further observed that understanding consumer protection measures and adopting responsible telecommunications practices would enable students to make informed decisions and avoid common challenges associated with mobile communication and internet usage.
Some participants, including Rahanat Ohunene and Jethro Ariyo, described the programme as timely, informative and beneficial.
They said the exercise had improved their understanding of effective data management, consumer rights and measures for protecting themselves against cyber threats.
The participants also appreciated the NCC for extending its consumer awareness campaign to the academic community, noting that the knowledge gained would help students and lecturers become more informed and responsible users of telecommunications services.
The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection, promote digital awareness and encourage safer use of telecommunications services across Nigeria.
