APC USA; Investigate Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for Late Reporting of Telecommunication Providers’ Faults, MTN, Airtel, Globacom, etc.

This article is timely because of the foregoing incidences between: telecommunication companies and Nigerian Communications Commission, resulting from the following understatements:

· Nigeria Telecom Giant MTN Fined A Record $5.2bn;

· MTN CEO Resigns Over N1.04 Trillion Nigeria Fine;

· NCC to Fine MTN, Airtel, Globacom Over Auto Migration of Data Service;

· MTN, Globacom, Etisalat Risk Fines as Telcos Violate Porting Process Time;

· MTN Yet To Pay N1trillion Fine As Extended Deadline Expires;

· Governors Insist MTN Nigeria Pays Fine.

In every aspect of life; since 1960 independence, Nigerians are suffering from bad decision makers, policy formulators and regulators. So is the case of Telecommunication contracts. Unheard of that NCC recently co-opted policy; Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement’ strategies to prosecute the above mandate and achieve its objective of fair competition, ethical market conduct and optimal quality of service in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. So who’s responsible for past and prevailing incidences.

As google hits Africa and Nigeria shortly, Nigerians should not be taking for granted again in the provision of competitive - efficient services with optional monthly / by-monthly payment plan to exceed $50/month unlimited text and talk, as widely practiced globally. Payment Plans must be included in new contracts and renewals, they can borrow from the successes of Bank Verification Number (BVN) and Permanent Voters Card (PVC). No more scratch cards!

With the advent of President Muhammadu Buhari, many agencies have been announcing and following up with defaulters, offering options and penalties, like they never did. Hence we are forced to ask questions:

· Are telecom companies in compliance with their contracts and If not why?

· Was NCC sleeping at the time of immediate default?

· Is money exchanging hands, in and around contractors and agencies?

· Is the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari used as goofed or good workers?

Nevertheless, Nigeria is losing huge sums to manipulators taking advantage of weaknesses and loopholes. Neither, must not be swept under the carpet, as such all parties be it, telecommunications providers or NCC issues must be investigated accordingly and for extorting - exorbitantly from masses. As a matter of fact and unknown, is NCC is truly working for consumers.

Hence, NCC should not only make case of itself, the case should include refunds and compensations to customers. In this light, customers are advised; through lawyers file “Class Action” against any provider for unprovided and inaccurate services, as well as authority stealing and abject corruption, which must be returned immediately.

All penalties and fines must be paid promptly, without further negotiations. NCC and defaulters must face the music in this administration. This matter of interest to us, as we engage in constructive masses education and mobilization.

Regardless, Google must be in-compliance while in Nigeria, no cutting corners.

Francis John
APC USA International Secretariat
+1.816.359.8527
[email protected]