……..As Danbatta Calls For Protection Against Financial Fraud
As part of activities marking the 2022 World Consumer Rights Day, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) embarked on roadshows across the Federal Capital Territory to sensitize Nigerians about their rights.
The roadshows, which kicked off from the NCC headquarters, moved to Emab Plaza, Gwarinpa Market, and the Wuse Market among other places in Abuja.
Consumers were informed of their right to be informed, right to safety, right to choose, right to be heard, right to privacy, right to timely installation, restoration, and repair services, and right to timely and responsive customer service, among other rights of consumers.
Meanwhile, as part of activities marking the 2022 World Consumer Rights Day, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said that the Commission has finalized arrangements to establish the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution, and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk, at strategic locations across the country to provide information to telecom consumers.
“The TELCARE desk is to serve as an additional platform to receive and facilitate the resolution of consumer complaints; provide a means through which consumers and citizens can make inquiries on consumer issues; provide a platform for advocacy on any thematic consumer issue or concerns, and further enhance awareness of the Commission’s activities,” Danbatta said.
He reiterated that the Commission plans to have help desks located at strategic places at Nigerian airports, with the desk in the Arrival Lounge of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja, which is being commissioned today as a pilot.
To further protect telecom consumers, the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) periodically notifies telecom consumers of the latest cybersecurity threats and how to avoid falling victim to them. NCC-CSIRT has been at the forefront of protecting telecom consumers from cyber threats.
The provision of timely advisories has helped to protect consumers from being unfairly targeted by cyber-attacks, which goes a long way in ensuring that they can access digital services without suffering unwarranted losses.
Each March 15th, the consumer movement unites to highlight a pressing issue facing consumers globally. This year, the Membership of Consumers International (200 consumer groups in 100 countries) selected Fair Digital Finance as our global theme.
By 2024, digital banking consumers are expected to exceed 3.6 billion. In the developing world, the proportion of account owners sending and receiving payments digitally has grown from 57% in 2014 to 70% in 2017. Digital finance brings new opportunities but also new risks that can lead to unfair outcomes for consumers. Digital finance can increase the likelihood that the most vulnerable are left behind.
Digital technologies are reshaping payments, lending, insurance, and wealth management, becoming a key enabler for consumers of financial services. However, in recent years, and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have been increasingly exposed to scams, frauds, phishing, and data malpractices. Consumers who experience economic hardship are particularly vulnerable to these harms.
To address the most pressing issues faced by consumers in digital finance, Consumers International and its global membership developed a Consumer Vision for Fair Digital Finance. The Vision sets out questions for decision-makers from a consumer rights perspective to build a digital financial marketplace that is inclusive, safe, data protected and private, and sustainable for everyone.
