The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday has emphasized the import of ‘PIE’ to telecoms service providers in the country at the 25th edition of its Consumer Town Hall Meeting held at the New Keffi Hotel, Keffi-Akwanga Express Way, Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The NCC Director of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Abdullahi Maikano, represented by one of his deputy, Mr. Ismail Adedigba declared the programme opened in a remark that underscored the importance the Commission attaches to consumer rights and their protection.
At the event, which focused on the theme: “Information and Education as Catalysts for Consumer Protection”, Mr. Adedigba noted that the institutionalization of multiple platforms on consumer issues signify the centrality of the consumer to the undertakings of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Such platforms include the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP); and the Consumer Outreach Programme (COP) to enable consumers to interact directly with the Commission and service providers.
The Director at the meeting emphasized the place of Protection, Information and Education (PIE) of telecom consumers as an important duty of the Commission and of telecoms service providers.
“This explains why NCC instituted the consumer Town Hall Meeting to bring consumers, service providers and the Commission together to address telecom issues and challenges affecting consumers, especially those in rural areas,” Maikano said.
“The other consumer-centric companion initiatives – TCP, and COP – take place at State capitals and semi-urban towns respectively in order to ensure that grievances of consumers at all levels and at different locations are attended to,” he concluded.