EXAMINATION OF THE ROLE OF THE NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IN THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS IN THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY

This work discussed the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission in the protection of consumers in the telecommunications industry. The Nigerian telecommunications industry has been identified as one of the fastest growing industries in the economy. Being under the Ministry of Communications, and for the purpose of continuity in development of the economy, the industry is regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission by virtue of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. The Commission amongst other responsibilities has the duty of protecting the consumers in the industry who are seen as the ‘Kings’ in the industry due to their role in the industry. The need to protect the consumers stems from the rights enshrined in the Consumers’ Bill of Right. Also, the complaints of the consumers in the services of the operators must be settled by the Commission who is the regulator in the industry. For the purpose of this research, the doctrinal method of research was adopted with the aim of examining the roles of the Commission. In this research, it was observed that telecommunications has been very impactful to the economy with examples given. Also, the complaints made by consumers on their ordeals in the industry; the role of the Commission by putting mechanisms in place to protect the consumers was also observed. An appraisal of the mechanisms was carried out to show the extent to which the commission performed its roles. The challenges faced in the industry are not excluded from this research. After an holistic examination, the researcher made recommendations which will help settle the challenges identified in the study. These include putting in place stiffer sanctions to check the activities of the operators and the issues of theft and vandalism of ICT infrastructure. On the issue of inadequate power supply, the researcher showed that need for power supply in the supply in the country; that which will settle other issues including security for safeguarding the generating plants used by the operators at the base stations. Other recommendations are made in line with the challenges identified in the research. In conclusion, the work fulfilled its intendment by examining the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission in the protection of consumers in the telecommunications industry. The significance of the research is notable; reason being that the content of this work is the first of its nature.