The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released new Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024, for all its licencees in the country’s telecoms industry.
The updated Consumer Code of Practice Regulations is contained in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 129, dated 30th July, 2024, Vol. 111, Government Notice No. 25, which the NCC already published on its official website for the attention of all stakeholders.
According to the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, the NCC has published the accessible as “supplement to this Gazette”.
Confirming its mandate to issue the Regulations, the NCC noted the effort is consistent with the stated that the powers to do so is conferred on it by Sections 70 and 106 of the Nigerian Communications Act, No. 19, 2003.
It stated: “The Commission is empowered to make and publish regulations on matters such as, but not limited to; written authorisations, permits, assignments and licences granted or issued under the NCA 2003; the assignment of rights to spectrum or numbers.
“Communications related offences and penalties; any fees, charges, rates or fines to be imposed; a system of universal service provision; Quality of Service (QoS) standards; and any other matters as are necessary to enforce the provisions of the NCA 2003.”
According to a report by ConsumerConnect, the Commission explained that the objects of the Regulations are to prescribe the procedures to be followed by a Licensee in accordance with section 106 of the Act and the Schedule to these Regulations.
The regulatory body noted the regulatory document is also designed to “determine the contents and features o Code of Practice for a Licensee.”
Pointing out that the Regulations shall apply to all its Licensees, NCC affirmed that the General Consumer Code of Practice (the “General Code”) “shall provide for the minimum standard to be followed by a Licensee for the provision of services and related consumer practices in Nigeria”.
In regard to the General Code, as set out in the Schedule to these Regulations, the Commission requires a Licensee to prepare and submit to the Commission an “Individual individual consumer code of practice” of its services and related consumer Consumer Code of practices for approval.
It further noted that, “the individual consumer codes of practice submitted pursuant to sub-regulation (l) of this regulation shall include the terms and conditions of the General Code, or equivalent terms and conditions that are not less favourable to consumers than the General Code.”
