By Theresa Igata

Contributing N5.6 billion and N6.3 billion to the telecom industry in 2015 and 2016 respectively, and the figure predicted to still rise in 2017, the Nigerian Telecom consumer no doubt is a key stakeholder in the growth of the industry.

This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian communications commission,  NCC,  Umar Danbatta at the Lagos flag-off of the NCC  2017, year of the Nigerian Telecom consumer in Lagos.

Coming almost two months after the national flag-off in Abuja,  and following a management decision that compels the NCC to seek to amplify the year’s activities towards ensuring that the consumer enjoys customer experience that is enhanced and consistent in time and quality,  the EVC added that the Lagos event emphasises the position of the State as the telecoms hub of Nigeria which makes it significant in many respect.

The consumer interest campaign was overwhelmingly endorsed by the operators namely MTN, Glo, Etisalat, Airtel, Smile, Ntel, Smile and Spectranet all of which commended the NCC for dedicating this year to the consumer.

Acknowledging the consumers Danbatta reiterated the fact that the NCC 2017, year of the Nigerian Telecom consumer is remarkable because the Nigerian Telecom consumer is at the centre stage. “We must also remember that these consumers together have made all the success stories we speak about possible in the Telecom industry today.”

“In 60 days I am glad we can report some progress resulting in increase in the activation of the Do-Not-Disturb short code using the 2442 facility, by more than one million consumers in this short span. More subscribers reported their unresolved complaints using NCC’s  622 toll-free lines in the same period” the EVC said.

Danbatta also stated that the NCC consumer conversations are going on simultaneously every month in the six geopolitical zones across the country.

The event also saw the unveiling of faces of the Telecom consumer, comedian Helen Paul and Kannywood don Ali Nuhu who the EVC said are on board to sensitise consumers, while also giving a brief on why Lagos is significant in the telecoms success story.  “The Nigerian  Bureau of Statistics in its first quarter telecoms sector report for 2016, placed Lagos voice subscriber base at 19.04 million or 12.8 per cent of the country’s subscribers and 12.62 million internet subscription or 13.65 per cent.  The state is home to many of the key players in the telecoms sector, so it is understandable that it has been selected as the flag off city after Abuja”.

For Sunday Dare,  Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, NCC,  the initiative is derivative of the 8 point agenda of the present management, leveraging on the two key components of improving Quality of Service and informing and empowering consumers adding that, ” the Telecom consumer embraces for is at the NCC  the various stakeholders we are mandated by the NCA 2003 to protect, inform and educate.”

“The NCC is charged with ensuring that the average consumer gets the best satisfaction possible from the use of the line he has acquired. Thus,  mindful of the pains and challenges of a growing economy and a rapidly developing industry, NCC intends to strike a balance. A balance albeit in favour of the consumer who of times is at the receiving end,” Dare said.