The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) have set up a committee to work towards the protection of the interest of telecom consumers against malpractices related to mobile lotteries in the country.
The committee, which was inaugurated at the NCC head office in Abuja, yesterday, was tasked with the responsibility of articulating measures to address mutual regulatory issues, including the review of revenue-sharing formula between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and lottery operators.
The NCC’s executive commissioner, stakeholder management (ECSM), Barr. Adeleke Adewolu who presided over the meeting comprising senior staff of both agencies, recalled fondly previous engagements between the agencies and stated that the committee was important to review and update an NCC-NLRC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on August 6, 2018, but has now expired.
The ECSM said the commission is committed to regulatory collaboration and strategic partnerships and has carefully reviewed NLRC’s requests and is convinced that both organisations can conclusively address issues and other concerns that have been identified in the operation of lotteries in the telecom industry.
“We expect that the joint committee of senior members of staff in both organisations will work closely to develop a collaborative framework to progressively improve gaming service delivery for telecoms consumers and further accelerate holistic development in Nigeria’s digital economy,” Adewolu stated.
In addition, the ECSM reiterated that the committee is expected to articulate a new MoU to address issues around revenue sharing between MNOs and lottery operators, the need to review and recommend a workable model for addressing the needs of both organisations, and present informed recommendations to deepen regulatory collaboration between both regulatory agencies.
“Given the professional pedigree of the members of this joint committee, I have no doubt that they will meet and exceed the expectations of the managements of both the NCC and the NLRC. I wish you all success in this task,” Adewolu added.
Speaking on behalf of the director-general, NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila the director, legal services, NLRC, Olayemi Ajayi, expressed her organisation’s commitment to improving revenue generation from the lottery industry while appreciating the commission for being receptive to inter-organisational collaborations.
A statement by the NCC director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka said Ajayi reiterated the need for renewal of the expired MoU with amendments to accommodate new provisions that will be favourable to stakeholders and fast-track the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“The NLRC is working tirelessly to ameliorate its functions and service delivery to stakeholders. Therefore, this renewed collaboration with NCC will help for better and efficient service delivery by both agencies,” Ajayi said.
