NCC tasks telecoms service providers on accurate information to consumers

Telecommunication service providers in the country have been charged to ensure that accurate information and education is given out to consumers not to create confusion in their minds in making right choices.

This advice was given yesterday by Mr. Yomi Olawoyin of the Initiative for Support and Promotion of Consumers Right at the 28th edition of consumer’s town hall meeting organised by Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) at Eket in Eket Local Council of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking on the theme, “Information and Education: A Catalyst for Consumer Protection,” he stressed the need for information and education of telecom consumers as failure could give credence to lies and uncertainties in the minds of consumers rendered by service providers.

“Therefore, well-channelled information based on truths and empirical facts will enable the consumers to make the right choice of telecom service providers and their products.

“Also, without availing the telecom consumers the right and appropriate education by the service providers, their choice of service provider, product, tariff and other applications will be impaired,” he said.

He noted that giving out right information and education to telecom consumers are of great essence to service provider as such would impact positively on their profit margin.

He further urged service providers to look inward and take their audience into consideration, as some channels of disseminating their information and education of their consumers are elitist in content, thereby not meeting the needs of the less-privileged consumers.Olawoyin also implored the participants to take advantage of the forum to express constructive opinion that would bring about positive changes in the industry.

Besides, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the NCC, Abdullahi Maikano, who threatened sanction against the service providers if such acts are not stopped, stressed that consumers must be accorded basic rights such as the right to be heard, right to be educated, right to redress as well as right to safety and protection.

Maikano, who urged the service providers to communicate information to consumers in plain and simple language and ensure that information provided to consumers are relevant, current, accurate and timely, promised that the commission would continue to ensure timely and fair redress of complaints and protection of consumers from the unwholesome practices of some service providers.