Protection of the rights of citizens and consumers is of utmost priority to the government

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has stated that protection of the rights of citizens and consumers is of utmost priority to the government especially those who are struggling and on the last rung of the ladder.

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami made this clarification while delivering his keynote address in a virtual forum recently organised by the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, (ATCON). The event theme: “Meeting the Interests of the Government, Consumers and Telecom and ICT Companies in the Era of COVID-19 and Post COVID -19 Pandemic for Digital Economy Development”, was organised with the objective of identifying various challenges the industry stakeholders are facing with the view of providing solutions to them. The minister in his address said the government’s interests are the same as consumers’ interest and it will continue to make concerted efforts at ensuring that the masses are protected.

“Protection of the rights of citizens and consumers is of utmost priority to the government especially those who are struggling and on the last rung of the ladder.” Dr Pantami charged ATCON to look into the quality of service as most consumers are complaining of poor quality of service, reduction in the price of data, enhanced penetration of broadband, and be fair to all consumers. “In the Ministry, we always try to strike a balance by protecting the interest of consumers and citizens on one hand and the telecoms companies on the other,” he further explained. He also stated that government is working round the clock to meet the need of ATCON members by taking some of the steps which include protection of telecom infrastructures against vandalism, addressed the challenges of the right of way levy and multiple taxations, working to review all taxes being collected from operators and giving priorities and reference to indigenous contents and experts. The minister further informed that the Ministry is working on a policy that would reinforce the Executive Orders 003 and 005 in order to enhance the local content promotion and empower indigenous manpower. On Right of Way, we have had an agreement with the Nigeria Governor Forum on uniformity in the price of Right of Way and advised the members to notify the ministry if they are having challenges with any state government.