The Nigeria Communications Commission has launched its Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries Desk, in the Arrival Lounge of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja.
This development by the NCC was part of its activities to mark the 2023 World Consumer Rights Day.
The Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport became the first beneficiary of TELCARE desk of the commission.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Monday.
The Chairman, Board of Commissioners of NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, who unveiled the initiative, said the launch of the TELCARE is the beginning of the helpdesk project expected to adorn some airports and other similar public locations across the country.
He said “The project is a deliberate effort by the Commission to amplify its commitment to promoting the interest of consumers using various engagement strategies and initiatives to protect, inform, and educate telecom consumers.”
He added that the desk would serve as an additional channel for consumers to make enquires on consumer issues, allowing the commission to provide advocacy on consumer concerns as well as create awareness regarding commission’s activities.
The Head, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the commission, Ayanbanji Ojo noted that many consumers transiting at the airport are already taking advantage of the Desk even before the launch of the TELCARE Desk, to make enquiries or lodge complaints.
Ojo disclosed this through the NCC’s Head, Consumer Protection and Advocacy, Clem Omife.
He said, “This is a pilot project, and the Commission will ensure that the TELCARE Desk is established in more strategic locations around the nation. We believe that through adequate education, information sharing, and the provision of layers of channels for complaints and redress, we can safeguard the interest of telecom consumers and innovatively promote the prospect of more excellent consumer experience.”
The Regional General Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Kabir Mohammed, expressed happiness to have collaborated with the NCC on the new initiative.
Mohammed also noted that the first-hand interface with consumers would not only expedite the feedback mechanism in addressing telecom consumer issues but also curb unfair practices within the system and further bridge any communication gap between the consumers and its regulators.
