By Bose Adelaja
CITIZENS COMPASS – The Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), on Friday, said it would create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem in the Nigerian telecom sector,
This it said would protect consumers, promote fair competition, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
The Ag. Head, Legal & Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte. Hence,
disclosed this at a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, as part of its participatory rule making process, to discuss the licensing framework around a new licence category in the Nigerian telecom sector, which the Commission is developing.
It is called Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging Licensing Framework.
She represented Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission.
She said, “Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth. To achieve this, your active participation today is essential. I urge you to engage constructively, provide feedback, and contribute ideas that will help shape the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.
“A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. It has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional, or service-related, directly to consumers. From bank alerts and healthcare reminders to promotional campaigns and government updates, A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports our socio-economic development.
“ Our strategic focus is centred on three key stakeholders: the government, consumers, and the industry—our licensees. Each of these stakeholders plays a vital role in the success of the A2P messaging platform.
“Despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness.
“These gaps have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem. Such challenges not only affect businesses and consumers but also pose a threat to the sustainable growth and potential of this crucial communication tool.
“This forum marks a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges. Today we will be presenting the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging to you, our valued stakeholders, for deliberation. This framework represents our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent, and secure environment.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth. To achieve this, your active participation today is essential. I urge you to engage constructively, provide feedback, and contribute ideas that will help shape the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.”
