Business
NCC Warns Service Providers On Unsolicited Messages
The Nigerian Commu
nications Commission (NCC), has directed the Value Added Service (VAS) providers to send all unsolicited messages on the networks between 8.00am and 8.00pm.
The directive was contained in the ‘2013 2nd Quarter Enforcement Activities Report’ posted on the NCC website.
The regulatory body said that sending such messages or telemarketing on their networks, during the stipulated hours, was in line with existing guidelines.
NCC also said that sticking to the stipulated period was necessary to ensure good service quality in the industry.
The telecoms umpire said that there had been increased consumer complaints regarding unsolicited SMS from the VAS providers marketing their various services.
“The commission has, therefore, developed a database of all VAS providers together with the Short-Codes used by them.
“This is a strategy to ensure direct engagement and monitoring of the activities of each licensed VAS provider,’’ NCC said.
NCC listed MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Upstream Ltd and Adnol Multimedia Ltd. as some of the service providers sending unsolicited messages.
Reports say they also include Fun Mobile, Terragon Ltd, Rancard Mobility, Mtech Ltd, Elseji, Starfish Ltd, Next Generation Tele Solutions, One Communications Ltd., Cloud and Mobilexcetera.
“Warning letters have been sent to all VAS providers, directing that all unsolicited messages or telemarketing activities within the networks could be done from 8.00am to 8.00pm,’’ the commission said.
“Payment of tuition fees for undergraduate/postgraduate studies shall be subject to a maximum limit of $25,000.00 per semester,” the Manual states.
The expansion of international card limits also reflects growing confidence among lenders that foreign exchange liquidity has improved enough to support retail dollar transactions.
Speaking recently at the BusinessDay 14th Annual CEO Forum in Lagos, CBN Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN said buying and selling activities now increasingly determine outcomes in the foreign exchange market, unlike in the past when market participants relied heavily on routine Central Bank interventions.
According to Cardoso, Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves have risen from just over $3 billion at the start of the reform programme to more than $40 billion, while gross reserves have climbed to about $52 billion, providing stronger confidence for investors and enabling the Central Bank to reserve interventions for periods of market stress rather than day-to-day liquidity management.
The restoration and expansion of international naira card spending limits are increasingly being seen as one of the clearest signs that the benefits of the CBN’s foreign exchange reforms are beginning to reach households, students and businesses making legitimate cross-border payments.
The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, WEC, Dr Angela Wilkinson, disclosed this in a statement, last Thursday.
“Nigeria’s participation comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise the capital required for industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
“WEC Nigeria will convene leaders from across the energy ecosystem, apply the WEC’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique context, and promote evidence-based dialogue, practical collaboration and informed policymaking.
“It will also ensure that Nigerian and broader African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global energy conversations,” she said.
Wilkinson expressed confidence that Nigeria would play a significant leadership role at the World Energy Congress scheduled for Riyadh in April 2027 and beyond.
The statement also quoted the Chairman of WEC Nigeria, Isa, as describing the country’s participation as an opportunity to deepen national and African leadership within the global energy community through practical solutions tailored to regional development priorities.
He said the platform would promote collaboration across sectors and attract sustainable investments into Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Wunti, was quoted in the statement as saying that the council would connect leadership, evidence and investment to build a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.
“This system will be capable of driving economic growth and shared prosperity.”
According to him, the platform will also connect Nigerian institutions and businesses with international knowledge, technology, partnerships and investment opportunities through the World Energy Council’s global network.
Recall that WEC, founded in 1923, is the world’s oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners, advancing informed, collaborative and practical action across the global energy system.