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NCC Makes Case for Telecom Consumers

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L-R: Babatunde Paul Ruwase, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) presenting award of appreciation to NCC and was received on behalf of the EVC by the Ismail Adedigba, Head of Information and Reference Unit, Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC while the Chairman, Trade Promotion Board & VP, LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, observes.
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that telecom consumers are critical stakeholder in the industry that should be treated with respect by operator.

 

 

Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman (EVC) Nigerian Communications Commission stated this on Thursday at the ongoing 2019 Lagos International Trade Fair, taking place at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

 

Danbatta who was represented at the NCC Day by Ismail Adedigba, head of Information and Reference Unit, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, said that they are aware of the role of the consumers and have identified them as very important stakeholders. .

 

 

He noted that through the 8-point Agenda of the commission, it has made available to the consumer information and educational materials that enabled them to make informed choices in the use of ICT services.

 

He urged telecom operators to emulate the commission by recognizing consumers as important stakeholders in the industry.

 

He stated that the presence of the Commission at the Trade Fair was one of its different strategies of reaching out to the consumers.

 

Danbatta disclosed that the NCC Day at the Trade fairs aims to educate and inform consumers on the use of Communication services and their rights as telecom Consumers.

 

He further revealed that the NCC was at the trade fair to identify key challenges and quickly move to address them adding that one of the issues affecting telecoms consumers, which the Commission has proffered concrete solution to, is the issue of telemarketing, commonly known as unsolicited text message.

 

“This is any message, voice or SMS made through Telecommunications service which is transmitted for the purpose of informing or soliciting or promoting any commercial transaction in relation to goods investments or services which a subscriber opts not to receive”, he explained.

 

He explained further that in order to protect subscribers from this unwholesome practice, the NCC evolved a solution called DO-NOT-DISTURB (DND) directing all Mobile Network Operators to dedicate a short code 2442 to enable subscribers take informed but independent decisions on what messages they wish to receive from their networks by typing STOP to 2442 to stop the messages completely or HELP to choose the message you want.

 

He said that the NCC is keen on helping to protect the consumers from being victims of cybercrime and e-fraud stressing that the Commission had advised all consumers not to open emails that are not familiar to them, never to post personal identification information online or save their password online.

 

“Note also that your Bank will never ask you your personal detail via internet. In the event of any unfortunate circumstance please contact your bankers immediately to freeze your account and also inform your mobile service provider for further actions”, he noted .

 

He said: “As a telecom consumer you deserve the right to get value for your investment. NCC as your regulator has devised ways to lodge your complaints when you are dissatisfied with the services provided by your Operator.

 

“The Commission will apply appropriate regulatory measures and sanctions against such service provider.”

 

Mrs Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, in her remark recalled that the participation of the Commission affords it the opportunity to present NCC’s activities aimed at improving consumer experience of telecoms services to participants.

 

She noted that NCC will always ensure service availability, accessibility and affordability to consumers, be it individuals or corporates, who are increasingly depending on ICT/telecoms to conduct personal and business activities on daily basis.

 

Onwuegbuchulam who represented by, Henry Ojiokpota, Lagos Zonal Controller, NCC,  said: “the important role of telecoms services and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), at large, in enhancing businesses, creating new business line, driving innovation and accelerating value addition is inherent in the overarching thematic focus of the Fair which is “Our Brand Promise-Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”.

 

she noted that the theme of the Trade Fair is at the centre of connecting businesses through telecoms infrastructure development initiatives to improve business efficiency and effectiveness for growth.

 

Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase, president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI),  said that the NCC Day was one of the greatest time of visitors to the fair because of the impact of telecoms on the daily life of Nigerians.

 

He said that the LCCI as organisers of the fair is always excited to receive the NCC at the traditional day for exhibitors, which the NCC has always taken part of across all other fairs in the country.

 

He noted that the 2019 Lagos Trade Fair was specially packaged for the interest of government agencies whose activities have direct impact on the life of the people.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


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Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

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Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


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GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

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Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


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