Striking the right balance between safeguarding consumer rights, ensuring effective regulatory oversight, and maintaining industry sustainability requires a collective effort.
This declaration was made on Tuesday by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
The NCC boss who delivered a welcome address at the stakeholder engagement forum on unclaimed recharges held on Tuesday virtually said the occasion presented an opportunity to explore practical solutions on the subject matter.
He said the outcome of the discussion would help in refining NCC’s policies and ensuring that its regulatory approach aligned with the dynamic nature of the market.
“As we deliberate, I encourage open and constructive engagement, as your insights will be invaluable in shaping a framework that balances the interests of all stakeholders,” Maida said.
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The NCC boss stated earlier that the telecommunications industry had long been a pillar of economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
According to him, with the widespread reliance on mobile services, prepaid plans had provided millions of Nigerians with flexibility and affordability.
He said, however, as the sector evolved, and in line with NCC’s commitment to ensuring Quality of Experience for telecom consumers, there was need to address emerging challenges especially those that might compromise consumer rights.
“One of such is the fate of prepaid balances when accounts become inactive,” he stated.
“The Quality-of-Service Business Rules 2024 stipulates that a prepaid line without a Revenue Generating Event for six months must be deactivated, and if inactivity persists for another six months, the line may be recycled. Subscribers have the right to reclaim their unused credit within one year, provided they can demonstrate ownership.
“However, the broader debate remains—should operators be required to refund unused airtime, or should the principle of ‘use it or lose it’ prevail? Our goal is to arrive at a framework that protects consumers while ensuring the continued efficiency and competitiveness of the industry. The Commission remains committed to fostering a fair, transparent, and consumer-centric telecommunications landscape,” Maida said.
