NCC launches new initiative to tackle Fraud and Spam messaging

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Application-to-Person messaging got a glimmer of hope as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently released the draft copy of its regulatory framework that intends to restrain fraud, spam and all possible problems in the concerned sector.

The telecom regulator made this announcement in a statement on Friday.IMO For several years telecom regulators have been making decisions regarding various mobile cellular networks. The framework was presented during a recent virtual Stakeholders ‘Forum and is described as a move to promote the sector’s integrity and establish fair and transparent conditions for all stakeholders.

The draft framework was presented by Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman, of NCC represented by Chizua Whyte, the acting head of legal and regulatory services, of NCC to regulate the A2P messaging space.

The A2P messaging which could be used for functions such as bank alerts, promotion and government information, has indeed become a potential form of communication in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the sector still has multiple issues, like consumer protection problems, fraud cases, data privacy and other challenges in generating value distribution imbalance at the ecosystem level.

“The current international A2P messaging environment in Nigeria continues to experience security gaps that have created problems such as fraud, spam and data privacy problems. These challenges are:
“These challenges are a threat to the sustainable development of this communication tool,” the NCC said.

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NCC underscored the call for it to support innovation while guaranteeing and maintaining a safe and open environment for businesses, customers, and service providers.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hereby invites you to register for a Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) awareness webinar in collaboration with Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). pic.twitter.com/X18Ec0AXCi

— ncc.gov.ng (@NgComCommission) December 9, 2024

To overcome these challenges, the present work intends to enumerate a proposed framework for shielding consumers, encouraging fair competition, and penalizing service providers.

‘This forum represents a major step toward resolving the above challenges. We are here to actively participate with all stakeholders – operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers and consumers – to shape this framework and fine-tune it to fit the needs of the whole ecosystem.”

Finally, the NCC highlighted the need for cooperation and integration of all parties in the development of operative and efficient regulation.