…Celebrates World Consumer Rights Day
By Blessing Chidinma, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advocated for fair and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for consumers in the telecommunications sector.
The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida made the call during the celebration of the World Consumer Rights Day on Friday at the NCC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The celebration which focused on promoting fair and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for consumers in the telecommunications sector, brought together key stakeholders including management and staff of the Commission, CEOs and representatives of telecom service providers, the Chairman of the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF), telecoms advocacy groups, esteemed telecoms consumers, distinguished guests, and members of the press.
Speaking at the event Maida who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services Designate, Engr. Abraham Oshadam, emphasised the importance of consumers in business and expressed his pleasure to stand before the audience as a consumer himself on the significant occasion.
World Consumer Rights Day, which is observed annually on March 15th, aims to raise awareness about consumer rights worldwide and protect consumers from unfair trade practices. The history dates back to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy introduced four basic consumer rights: the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard.
The NCC has remained committed to upholding consumer rights in the telecommunications sector. Over the years, consumer rights have evolved to include additional rights such as the right to privacy, the right to quality of service, the right to timely redress, the right to action on disputed charges, the right to a fair complaint process, and the right to accurate billing.
This year’s theme, “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer,” highlights the impact of AI on consumers and the need to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly. AI has become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society, driving innovation in healthcare, finance, transportation, and other fields. However, it also raises ethical questions regarding fairness, privacy, transparency, and accountability.
“Responsible AI involves using AI ethically throughout its development, deployment, and usage. This includes being transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems, respecting privacy, and ensuring mechanisms for holding systems accountable and explaining their decisions,” Maida said.
The NCC has played a proactive role in advancing digital services and enhancing communications infrastructure in Nigeria. The Commission conducted transparent auctions for 5G services in Nigeria, with MTN, MAFAB, and Airtel Networks Nigeria emerging as successful bidders. Since then, there has been a steady growth in the development and deployment of AI systems and services in the country.
Maida stated further that, “Despite the advancements in AI, there are regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. Developing regulations and policies to govern AI deployment can be complex, and there is a need to strike the right balance between risk mitigation, innovation, security, and trust.”
Dr. Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting, informing, and educating telecom consumers, particularly in the era of AI advancement. He emphasised the importance of fostering innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, values, and dignity of consumers.
The celebration of World Consumer Rights Day at the NCC serves as a reminder of the Commission’s dedication to promoting fair and responsible AI for the benefit of consumers in Nigeria.