NCC To Audit Telecom Operators Over Wrong Deductions, Data Depletion

The Nigerian Communications Commission said it is conducting a forensic audit that would ensure that Nigerians are compensated for wrong deductions and data depletion.

The forensic audit would also enforce maximum protection of Nigeria’s over 208 million consumers.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the commision, Prof. Umar Danbatta, disclosed this in a release by the commission on Friday.

The NCC boss said this when he received the Man of the Year 2020 Award from MoneyReport magazine.

Danbatta said, “The Commission plans to get to the bottom of why consumers are experiencing data depletion and the possibility of compensating them for wrong deductions, which may arise from short message service.

“We have instituted and we have insisted that despite the fall in data price, that forensic audit must go on and must be concluded and the outcome communicated to the CEOs of telecom companies.”

The EVC said the commission has taken conscious steps to ensure that mobile operators in the country become more consumer- centric.

Danbatta, who appealed to consumers to wait for the outcome of the audit, said the NCC would enforce full compliance of the defaulting telecom operator.

He said, “Operators will be made to comply with whatever directions are given after the investigation with a view to ensuring maximum protection for telecom consumers.

Danbatta said the commission has helped over 30 million consumers to block unsolicited text messages on their phones with the introduction of the Do-Not-Disturb.

The NCC head said stern regulatory actions are constantly taken by the regulator against any operator that prevents a consumer from subscribing to the DND service.

The EVC noted that the launch of the 622 Toll-free Number was aimed at helping consumers lodge service-related complaints to the Commission for resolution.

According to him thousands of complaints have already been resolved.

He further noted that consumers deserve protection as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.