NCC: Consumers, Most Important Part of Any Business, Their Protection is of Utmost Importance

The Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, has described consumers as the most important part of any business, adding that their protection is of utmost importance.

The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner (designate) Technical Services, Engr Abraham Ogbadami, spoke at the 2024 World Consumer Rights Day, The 2024 World Consumer Rights Day tagged ‘Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence, AI, for the Consumer’ in Abuja on Friday.

He noted that these rights include the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to be heard.

The EVC noted that NCC has over the years kept faith with the Consumer Rights Day to highlight the important position the telecom consumers occupy in the telecommunicationsecosystem in Nigeria

According to him, the rights of the consumers have evolved over the years with additional new rights such as the right to privacy, the right to quality of service, the right to timely redress, right to action on disputed charges, right to fair complaint process and right to accurate billing.

The EVC pointed to the fact that AI is all around us and is driving innovation in healthcare, finance, transportation, and countless other fields.

Conversely, with inordinate power comes great obligation.

He, however, said that as the nation joins the rest of the world to celebrate the advancements in AI, it is important to grapple with ethical questions of how do we ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased?

Also, on how to protect privacy in an age of data-driven AI, the EVC added that these are complex issues that require careful consideration..

“Responsible AI means using it in an ethical way throughout its development, deployment, and usage,” he added.

“This includes considering issues like bias, privacy, transparency, and accountability. According to reports, responsible AI aims to empower consumers, build trust, and minimize negative effects.

He said that protecting citizens’ privacy is extremely important when using AI, urging organizations to handle personal data responsibly, following strict privacy regulations.

“Responsible AI requires mechanisms for holding systems accountable and explaining their decisions. Consumers should understand how AI systems work and have a way to address issues or biases,” he added.

“The commission, in pursuit to join the global community to advance digital services and enhance quality communications infrastructure for the benefit of the citizenry conducted a globally acclaimed most transparent auction for 5G services in Nigeria firstly on December 13, 2021, and secondly on December 5,022.”