The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a new licensing framework to address challenges within Nigeria’s Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging ecosystem. This step aims to streamline operations and ensure the sector’s sustainable growth. A2P messaging is an essential tool in telecommunications, allowing businesses to send SMS or notifications directly to mobile phones. Widely used for marketing, transactional alerts, and service notifications, A2P messaging is integral to the digital economy. However, Nigeria’s A2P ecosystem has faced significant challenges, such as the lack of unified oversight, revenue leakage, security risks, and market disparities due to unregulated termination rates. These issues have hindered the growth of the sector and created vulnerabilities. Why Regulation is Crucial The NCC’s new licensing framework aims to tackle these challenges by promoting fair competition, standardizing tariffs, and enhancing security against fraud, spam, and unauthorized traffic. The framework will also retain revenue through taxation and levies, providing comprehensive oversight to protect both businesses and consumers. During a virtual stakeholders’ forum on the draft framework, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, highlighted the importance of A2P messaging for businesses and consumers. “A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. It has become the go-to platform for sending transactional, promotional, and service-related notifications,” Dr. Maida stated. He stressed the need for collaboration among government, consumers, and industry players to foster innovation and ensure a fair and secure environment. Licensing Framework Overview The proposed framework includes key features such as: Benefits of the Framework This initiative is expected to: The NCC is inviting feedback from all stakeholders, including operators, businesses, service providers, and consumers, to finalize the framework. This regulatory move promises to create a robust and secure A2P messaging ecosystem, advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Nigerian government has praised Moniepoint Inc, Africa’s fastest-growing financial institution, for its significant contributions to financial technology and its commitment to advancing financial inclusion. The commendation came from Vice President Kashim Shettima during a courtesy visit by Moniepoint’s leadership team, led by CEO Tosin Eniolorunda, at the Presidential Villa. Shettima expressed appreciation for Moniepoint’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s financial landscape, emphasizing the company’s role in supporting underserved communities and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digital banking solutions. The Vice President also acknowledged Moniepoint’s strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), aimed at combating financial fraud and promoting transparency in the digital payments sector. CEO Tosin Eniolorunda, who thanked Shettima for his time, shared Moniepoint’s growth story, highlighting its achievement as Africa’s latest unicorn in 2024. He stressed that Moniepoint’s success is rooted in resilience and innovation, emphasizing the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Moniepoint’s collaboration with the Nigerian government has expanded beyond financial inclusion, with notable projects like the onboarding of over two million businesses in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The company has also launched the Informal Economy Report, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s informal sector, which contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. Vice President Shettima praised Moniepoint’s success and innovative approach, noting its workforce of over 3,000 employees and its contribution to Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. He also highlighted the diversity within Moniepoint’s team, celebrating its representation of Nigeria’s multicultural identity, including strong female leadership. While applauding Moniepoint’s achievements, Shettima urged the company to remain vigilant in preventing misuse of its platform by fraudsters, calling for stronger auditing measures. He promised continued support for Moniepoint’s global expansion, assuring them of his role as a “chief promoter” of the brand’s international visibility. The visit further solidified the partnership between the Nigerian government and private sector innovators like Moniepoint, who are crucial in driving the country’s digital economy and promoting financial inclusion nationwide. READ ALSO:
