By The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) insists Application-to-Person, or A2P, Messaging must be regulated to ensure consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness.
The Commission addressing industry players at Stakeholder Forum on Application-to-Person, or A2P, Messaging noted that despite its undeniable value, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem.
Addressing the stakeholders, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida who was represented by the Ag. Head, Legal & Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, said that goal of the NCC is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth.
According to the NCC effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration saying “this forum is an opportunity for all of us-operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers-to engage in meaningful discussions.”:
Speaking further the Maida’s representative, said that the forum with the stakeholders marks a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges stating that “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 that the A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world adding 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 added: “At the Nigerian Communications Commission, our strategic focus 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.”
Earlier, an Assistant Director at the Licensing and Authorisation Department of the NCC, Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku, provided an Overview of Framework for International A2P Messaging in Nigeria.
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