Consumers accuse telecoms operators of exploitation

At the end of the 78th edition of Consumers Outreach Programme, telecommunications consumers in Kano State accused the four major service providers of exploitation, citing imposition of arbitrary charges on brief calls and related issues.

However, the Nigerian Communications Commission restated its commitment to protecting telecoms consumers from “alarming” exploitation by service providers in the country

Officials of the NCC in Kano charged telecoms consumers in the country not to panic while patronising service providers, saying that the responsibility of the commission was to guide and protect consumers against such perceived exploitation.

They also stated that it was the responsibility of the NCC not to only   empower consumers, but to create a platform for them to make rational and informed decision when making a choice of service providers.

Speaking at the consumer outreach programme, the NCC Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano, said that consumer education was one of the most cost-effective mechanisms, which guaranteed consumer protection.

The Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Femi  Atoyebi, represented Maikano.

 Similarly, one of the consumers lamented that he had 2,000 mega bytes of data, which disappeared 24 hours later, without him browsing or downloading any material.

“This is indeed very disturbing and embarrassing,” he added.