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Towards boosting socio-economic development across the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has harped on the critical role of regulated Application-to-Person (A2P).
He made the remark when the Commission hosted a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum.
It featured an in-depth presentation on the proposed A2P Messaging Licensing Framework, which seeks to regulate the sector by introducing standardized tariffs, a centralized message routing platform, and enhanced security measures to protect users.
The framework aims to address existing issues such as fraud prevention, market disparities, and revenue retention, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit equitably from the growth of the A2P ecosystem.
The Commission's push for a regulated A2P messaging environment reflected its broader vision to ensure the integrity and growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The EVC, who was represented by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Ag. Head of Legal & Regulatory Services, addressed the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework for the rapidly growing sector.
Noting that the A2P messaging has great value, he said that it is crucial to establish clear guidelines to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and ensure the sustainable growth of the sector.
“A2P messaging is a powerful communication tool that drives efficiency and supports socio-economic development. However, without proper regulation, challenges such as fraud and data privacy concerns continue to hinder its potential,” he said
The EVC 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.
"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 stated
The NCC Assistant Director of the Licensing and Authorisation Department, Mrs. Truddy Tony Awusaku, highlighted a comprehensive overview of the proposed framework, unveiling the objectives, scope, and technical requirements for licensing A2P service providers.
Among the key provisions discussed were the need for a centralized platform to route messages securely, stringent security protocols to protect user data, and mechanisms to detect and prevent fraud.
The proposed licensing framework also included provisions for a five-year renewable license, with a fee of N10,000,000 and eligibility criteria that require applicants to demonstrate financial capacity and partnership with a host network operator.
The licensing process aims to foster a competitive and transparent market, offering businesses the opportunity to innovate while ensuring consumer protection.
Stakeholders at the forum were encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to refine the draft framework, ensuring that it meets the needs of all parties involved.
The NCC restated its commitment to a participatory rule-making process and promised continued engagement with both internal and external stakeholders ahead of finalizing the draft.
The Commission also emphasized that the new framework would contribute to the country’s economic development by increasing local revenue through taxation and reducing the risks associated with unregulated messaging services.
In a closing remarks, Mrs. Whyte reaffirmed the NCC’s dedication to fostering a regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects stakeholders, and ensures the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
The forum also called for continued collaboration and constructive feedback from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the A2P messaging framework.
A2P messaging, a key communication tool that facilitates business-to-consumer notifications, has seen widespread adoption across various industries.
From banking alerts and healthcare reminders to government updates and promotional campaigns, A2P messaging play a vital role in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and customer engagement.
As the use of A2P messaging expanded, the sector faces several challenges, including fraud, spam, revenue leakage, and the lack of a unified regulatory framework.