*Determine way forward
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that it aims to create a sustainable and thriving Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition and unlocks new opportunities for growth.
In his welcome address at the Stakeholder Forum A2P, Messaging, the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Waida, said the Commission decided to invite the stakeholders to “come together to deliberate on a critical segment of the telecommunications ecosystem that affects businesses, consumers, and service providers alike”.
Represented at the occasion by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, the Acting Head, Legal & Regulatory Services at NCC, Maida noted that A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world, becoming the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional, or service-related, directly to consumers.
According to him, “from bank alerts and healthcare reminders to promotional campaigns and government updates, A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports our socio-economic development”.
He added that the Commission, as a matter of policy, strategically focuses on three key stakeholders: the government, consumers, and the industry—our licensees, adding that each of the stakeholders play vital roles in the success of the A2P messaging platform.
“Despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness.
“These gaps have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem.
“Such challenges not only affect businesses and consumers but also pose a threat to the sustainable growth and potential of this crucial communication tool”.
This forum, according to him, therefore, marks a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges.
“Today we will be presenting the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging to you, our valued stakeholders, for deliberation.
“This framework represents our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent, and secure environment”.
He noted that the forum was an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, hear the perspectives of customers, their experiences, and recommendations, so as to jointly refine the framework to ensure it meets the needs of all of us.
