The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosted a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum on December 20, 2024, to deliberate on the proposed Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging Licensing Framework.
This event, part of the NCC’s participatory rule-making process, brought together industry players, businesses, and other key stakeholders to address regulatory challenges and foster innovation in the Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem.
In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the pivotal role of A2P messaging in modern communication.
He noted that A2P messaging serves as a critical tool for businesses, governments, and consumers, enabling direct and efficient delivery of notifications, including bank alerts, healthcare reminders, promotional campaigns, and government updates.
“A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports our socio-economic development,” Dr. Maida stated. He underscored the NCC’s commitment to its three primary stakeholders—the government, consumers, and industry players—ensuring the platform benefits all parties equally.
Despite its growing significance, the A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces challenges such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an uneven distribution of value across the ecosystem. These issues, Dr. Maida explained, hinder sustainable growth and threaten consumer trust.
The proposed regulatory framework aims to bridge these gaps by promoting fairness, transparency, and security while fostering an environment conducive to innovation and competition. “Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth,” Dr. Maida emphasized.
The Licensing and Authorization Department of the NCC delivered an in-depth presentation on the draft A2P Messaging Licensing Framework. This presentation provided insights into the structure, regulatory measures, and anticipated benefits of the framework. Stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback to refine the framework, ensuring it meets the needs of all participants in the ecosystem.
The proposed licensing framework is expected to enhance consumer protection by reducing fraud and spam while improving data privacy standards. For the industry, it creates a level playing field, fostering competition and innovation. Governments can also leverage A2P messaging for efficient delivery of public services and citizen engagement.
Dr. Maida reiterated the NCC’s belief in inclusive and collaborative regulation, urging stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the framework. “This forum is an opportunity for all of us—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to engage in meaningful discussions,” he said.
The Stakeholders’ Forum marks a significant step toward establishing a robust regulatory framework for A2P messaging in Nigeria. The NCC’s commitment to fostering a fair and innovative telecommunications environment promises to position the country’s telecom sector for sustained growth and global competitiveness.
