Despite accusations of non-performance by Senate, Telcom subscribers, NCC praises self

The Nigerian Communications Commission has insisted that it is doing well in its regulatory functions despite accusations of non-performance by the Senate and telecom subscribers.

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Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Daily Times on Sunday, Director of Publicity, NCC, Dr Henry Nkemadu, said the NCC was known for excellence, adding that the regulator was doing everything it can to make sure the Key Performance Indicators set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which have been domesticated in Nigeria are not neglected.

Recall that in what appears to be a confirmation of the myriad of complaints by members of the public over unreliable services from telcos and the inefficiency of the NCC in its regulatory functions, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan had recently taken a swipe at the NCC, accusing it of non-performance and failing in its mandate.

Lawal had during the confirmation of Mr Adeleke Adewolu as an executive commissioner on the governing board of the NCC specifically bemoaned the failure of millions of Nigerians to have properly registered lines, noting that Nigerians were not the right services from the operators.

“Let me say that the NCC has not done so well. We still have millions of people with lines that are not properly registered. This continues to be a security risk to us; the NCC needs to sit up…Similarly, Nigerians don’t get the right services from these operators as the services are not reliable.”

Meanwhile, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) had earlier knocked the NCC for what it described as its lethargic approach to protecting consumers from unsolicited calls and messages from telcos, accusing it of only barking and not barking. NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, had said.

“NCC is not biting. They are only barking, barking, barking, they are not biting. I’m going to make another effort to get the NCC to act. They don’t want to wield the big stick. You know why? We are saying that we want more investments in Nigeria. If you start sanctioning every little thing, it may discourage investors. That’s why I think NCC is a bit slow.”