The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday in Abuja urged network operators to improve the quality of their service to consumers.
Mrs Mary Bayi, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the commission, gave the advice during the fourth quarter Industry Commission Advisory Forum (ICAF) with the theme “Achieving effective service delivery in the telecoms industry: problems and prospects”.
In a keynote address she delivered at the occasion, Bayi said the forum made numerous recommendations and suggestions on topical issues affecting consumers.
She said the recommendations included the need for improvement in the quality of service by network operators, anti-phone theft scheme, SIM card registration and incessant telecom sales promotions.
Others, she said, were unsolicited text messages/calls and the need for greater collaboration and awareness creation on Nigerian child online protection.
According to the director, the forum also recommended mobile number portability and the provision of ICT service for persons with special needs.
Bayi said that ICAF was an initiative of the NCC established to provide a `veritable’ platform for interaction between key stakeholders in the country and the commission.
“The forum also avails the commission of timely and positive feedback on issues affecting the interests and concerns of all Nigerian ICT consumers,’’ she said.
The director said the commission initiated the forum to ensure non-discriminatory service delivery for consumers.
She listed other activities of the forum to include initiating and facilitating consumer protection, information and education.
In his remark, Mr Okechukwu Itanyi, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management in the NCC, described the consumer as `a major’ stakeholder in the telecoms industry.
“Consumers have different needs and expectations from the industry.
