NCC engages Industry players on draft A2P messaging licensing framework

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosted a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum yesterday to discuss the proposed Draft A2P (Application-to-Person) Messaging Services Licensing Framework.

The event provided a platform for stakeholders to review the regulatory framework, share feedback, and contribute to shaping the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.

Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Acting Head of Legal & Regulatory Services at NCC, delivered the speech on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida. She highlighted the vital role of A2P messaging in modern communication, pointing out its widespread use for delivering notifications, including transactional alerts, promotional messages, and public service updates.

She emphasized the importance of A2P messaging for businesses, consumers, and government, all of whom benefit from its efficiency.

However, Mrs. Whyte also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the A2P sector, such as fraud, data privacy issues, and market imbalances. She stressed the need for an inclusive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, transparency, and protection for all stakeholders involved in A2P messaging.

Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku, Assistant Director at the Licensing and Authorization Department of NCC, presented the key features of the proposed A2P messaging licensing framework. These include a N10,000,000 license fee, a five-year renewable tenure, and provisions designed to promote healthy competition and market fairness.

The forum also covered the eligibility criteria for obtaining an A2P messaging license, which include being a registered corporate body in Nigeria, having a contract with a host network operator, and demonstrating financial capability to support capital and operational expenditures.

Also, the framework mandates compliance with technical standards such as fraud detection, data encryption, and adherence to Nigerian data protection laws.

As part of the regulatory measures, the framework requires licensees to comply with NCC regulations and submit regular reports on traffic data, service quality, and revenue.

Mrs. Whyte also noted that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.

The NCC reiterated its commitment to a transparent and participatory rule-making process, emphasizing that this forum is only the beginning of ongoing consultations.

Stakeholders will continue to be engaged as the Commission works to finalize the A2P Messaging Services Licensing Framework.

The potential benefits of the new licensing framework were highlighted, including enhanced security measures, greater market transparency, and the promotion of local economic growth. By fostering a competitive and secure A2P messaging ecosystem, the Commission aims to protect consumers while enabling industry growth.

As the event came to a close, NCC encouraged continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the regulatory framework is effective and serves the best interests of all parties.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to creating a balanced, fair, and innovative regulatory environment for the A2P messaging sector in Nigeria.