The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida has promised an effective regulation that will deliver a thriving Draft Application-to-Person (A2P) ecosystem.
This was disclosed in a speech delivered on behalf of the EVC by the Ag. Head, Legal & Regulatory Services of NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte.
The address was at the Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum on the Draft Application-to-Person (A2P) Licensing Framework, December 2024.
An A2P messages are often sent via an application, such as a dedicated A2P messaging platform or software application, which routes the message to an SMS gateway for marketing or service reasons.
The EVC said A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world, adding it has become the go-to platform for businesses to send notifications, whether transactional, promotional or service-related, directly to consumers.
He highlighted some of the importance to include receiving bank alerts and healthcare reminders, promotional campaigns and government updates.
The EVC said A2P messaging drives efficiency, enhances communication, and supports socio-economic development.
The EVC said, “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.”
According to the EVC, the international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including consumer protection, fraud prevention, and ensuring industry fairness.
He said the gaps have led to issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and an unequal distribution of value across the ecosystem.
“Such challenges not only affect businesses and consumers but also pose a threat to the sustainable growth and potential of this crucial communication tool.
“This forum marks a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges. We will be presenting the proposed regulatory framework for A2P messaging to you, our valued stakeholders, for deliberation.
“This framework represents our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that all players in the value chain operate in a fair, transparent, and secure environment.”
“At the NCC, we firmly believe that effective regulation stems from inclusivity and collaboration.”
Maida said the goal of the NCC is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth.