The Executive Vice Chairman, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, has highlighted the importance of the Application-to-Person, A2P, messaging.
The EVC spoke at the Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum on the Draft A2P Licensing Framework held on December 20th, 2024 which was part of the Commission’s participatory rule making process, to discuss the licensing framework around a new licence category in the Nigerian telecom sector.
The discussion was based on what is called the A2P messaging licensing framework.
Represented by the Ag. Head, Legal & Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, EVC pointed out that A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world.
He noted that 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,” he said.
He said that the NCC is strategically focusing on three key stakeholders: the government, consumers, and the industry—our licensees.
The CEO said that each of these stakeholders plays a vital role in the success of the A2P messaging platform.
“For the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information,” he said.
For consumers, according to Maida, “it guarantees timely, secure, and reliable access to essential updates and services.
“For the industry, it creates opportunities for businesses and service providers to innovate, drive competition, and achieve sustainable growth.”
The EVC said that 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.”
Furthermore, Maida pointef out that NCC firmly believe that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration.”
“This forum is an opportunity for all of us—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to engage in meaningful discussions.
“We want to hear from you—your perspectives, experiences, and recommendations—so that together, we can refine this framework to ensure it meets the needs of all of us.
“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.”
He assured that the Commission remains committed to providing a regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects stakeholders.
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