The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) unveiled a Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Center as part of a series of activities to commemorate the 2023 International Consumers Rights Day, which was observed by the Commission in Abuja last Wednesday. The public concourse at Terminal C of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is the centre’s first recipient.
The initiative was introduced by Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the National Communications Commission (NCC), who also described the TELCARE launch as the beginning of the helpdesk project expected to adorn some airports and other similar public locations across the nation. He claimed it was one of NCC’s measures for enhancing communication with telecom users.
Akande said the project is a deliberate effort by the Commission to amplify its commitment to promoting the interest of consumers using various engagement strategies and initiatives to protect, inform, and educate telecom consumers.
While expressing gratitude to the Management of the Federal Airport Authority Nigeria (FAAN) for its support in ensuring the successful establishment of a TELCARE Desk at the airport, Akande reiterated that the platform would serve as an additional channel for consumers to make enquiries on consumer issues, allowing the Commission to provide advocacy on consumer concerns as well as create awareness regarding Commission’s activities.
The Commission, under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, has continued to re-engineer its strategies and structures to make them more effective to engage critical stakeholders to address unfair practices including but not limited to matters relating to tariffs.
In his goodwill message, the Regional General Manager, FAAN, Kabir Mohammed, said that the Management of FAAN was delighted to partner with the NCC on the initiative, as the passengers and airport users will have the opportunity to resolve issues bothering them while in transit.
Mohammed also noted that the first-hand interface with consumers would not only expedite the feedback mechanism in addressing telecom consumer issues but also curb unfair practices within the system and further bridge any communication gap between the consumers and its regulators.
