Abuja, Dec. 21, 2024 – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is committed to creating a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem in Nigeria.
Such ecosystem will protect consumers, promote fair competition and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Dr Aminu Maida, the Chief Executive of the NCC, expressed this commitment on Friday while speaking at a stakeholder’s forum on the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging in Nigeria.
The Application-to-Person messaging (A2P) is any kind of message traffic in which a person is receiving messages from an application rather than another individual, and which is not expected to receive a reply.
A2P message includes, but is not limited to marketing communications, appointment reminders, chatbots, notifications, and one-time passwords (OTPs) or PIN codes.
The NCC boss , who was represented by Mrs Chizua Whyte, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services in NCC, said A2P messaging had 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.
“For the government, A2P messaging is a powerful tool for communication with citizens, enabling the efficient delivery of public services and information.
“For consumers, 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,” he said.
Maida, however, said that in spite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faced significant challenges for 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,’’ he said.
The NCC boss said the stakeholder’s forum had provided a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges.
“Today we will be presenting the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging to you, our valued stakeholders, for deliberation.
“This framework represents our commitment to fostering innovation, while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent, and secure environment,” he said.
Maida said the NCC firmly believed that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration.
“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,” he said.
“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 said. (GBN)
