An all-comers market, it will not be anymore: the Application to Person Messaging, A2P service now comes under greater scrutiny by the NCC to ensure better service delivery as well as better returns for government from the services delivered.
The EVP of the National Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, at a stakeholder forum, recently, bared the commission’s mind on its intentions going forward, to ensure greater value delivery for consumers and as well for the government in a highly patronized niche area.
Dr. Maida elaborated that the strategic focus of NCC 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.”
He said that “For the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information”.
“For consumers”, he said, A2P “guarantees timely, secure, and reliable access to essential updates and services”, while “for the industry, it creates opportunities for businesses and service providers to innovate, drive competition, and achieve sustainable growth.”
He bemoaned the prevailing situation where “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”, he said, “have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem”, challenges that not only affect businesses and consumers but also pose a threat to the sustainable growth and potential of this crucial communication tool.
He said the convened forum marked “a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges as the NCC would present its proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging to its valued stakeholders, for deliberation. “This framework”, he said, represents he Commission’s commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent, and secure environment.”
In view of the NCC’s belief that “effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration”, he enjoined the participants “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.
He reminded the audience that “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 which end, he reiterated “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”.
The subsequent presentation by an Assistant Director at the Licensing and Authorization Department of the NCC, Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku, which provided an Overview of Framework for International A2P Messaging in Nigeria covered in detail germane issues such as the current status of international A2P messaging in Nigeria, the justification for licensing, licensing objectives and overview, Limitations, Key licensing features, eligibility criteria, Technical and security requirements, interconnection/integration, regulatory compliance, etc.
