The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) weekend revealed that it has been consistent with organizing the Consumer Outreach Programme (COPs) because of the several benefits and awareness creation on issues concerning the telecoms sector.
Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, Dr. Joesph Atoyebi stated this in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State during the 79th Edition of the Consumer Outreach Programme, with the theme: “Information and Education as a Catalyst for Consumer Protection”.
Atoyebi, who represented the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Abdullahi Maikano, at the Consumer Outreach programme said the scheme has been instrumental to the relative understanding that exist between the regulator, the operator and the consumer, stressing that the programme has consistently brought telecom consumers with network operators and the regulator under one roof to discuss and proffer solutions to consumer issues.
He said “One of the fundamental rights of the consumer is the right to be informed and educated. The Nigerian Communication Commission through the Consumer Outreach Programme brings telecom consumers in the urban areas with network operators and the Regulator-NCC under one roof to discuss and proffer solutions to consumer issues.
“At the Nigerian Communications Commission, the telecom Consumers are the target beneficiary of all our activities and they enjoy primary focus in terms of ensuring that they get good quality of service, value for money spent, timely and fair redress of complaints and protection from unwholesome practices of some Service Providers,” he said.
He added that the programme seeks to educate telecom Consumers and other stakeholders on contemporary issues, generating interest in the industry, as it also serve as a feedback mechanism for the Commission in making regulatory intervention for the benefit of the Consumers and the Service Providers as well as the industry as a whole.
NCC also said the commission has developed series of initiatives with the main goal of empowering consumers with appropriate information that will ensure that their rights are not only protected but their choices provide them with value for money.
These initiatives include but not limited to Organising Outreach programmes (TCP, COP & CTM) across the country; Consumer education via factsheets; Information dissemination via Consumer web portal; Interaction via Social media like Twitter handle, face book etc.
Others are responding to enquiries via NCC Call centre on a toll free number – 622; participating on Radio programes that educate consumers on their rights and privileges. Dignitaries present at the event include, Barr. Kelechi Igwe-Deputy Governor, Ebonyi State, Professor Benard Odo- Secretary to the State Government, Ebonyi State, Mr. Lawrence Abang- NCC Enugu Zonal Controller and Other Government Functionaries of the Ebonyi State Government.
