10th November, 2014
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is fully committed to the protection of telecom consumers in Nigeria against unfair practices by service providers, the Director, Consumer Affairs, Mrs Maryam Bayi, has said.
NAN reports that Bayi stated this during the NCC’s 68th edition of consumer outreach programme held on Sunday in Sokoto.
At the programme themed: “Effective Customer Service Delivery: The Rights of the Telecoms Consumer”, she said the programme was part of efforts to educate consumers on their rights and previllages, and the role of the commission in protecting those rights.
According to her, the forum is to provide avenue for consumers to express their complaints and grievances over the quality of services they receive from service providers.
The director said some of the complaints received include; unsolicited text messages, credit disappearance, unlawful deduction of credit for value added services, poor spread of Customer Care Centres, among others.
“We receive complaints from telecom consumers and always ensure that their grievances are resolved.
“As a regulator, we have the responsibility of ensuring that consumers receive value for their money.
“We also protect the interest of service providers because they invested huge funds into the economy,” Bayi added.
On fears being expressed on the dangers of erecting masts in residential areas, the director said there was no scientific evidence that such masts pose any health threat to citizens.
“The clarification became necessary because of apprehension by some consumers and communities that the proximity of installation of mast and towers to residential areas causes radiation.
“Recent researches and views from experts indicated that the radiation from the masts and towers has no negative effect on health.
“The proximity of mast to residential areas is not harmful to health and do not cause radiation.
“In fact, there is no scientific evidence that has proved that anybody has contracted cancer,” Bayi added.