The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has put in place measures to support initiatives by other stakeholders in curbing the further spread of Coronavirus.
NCC disclosed that it has agreed to reduce the frequency of physical meetings all through the period of the coronavirus outbreak and considered alternative electronic meeting platforms, in order to reduce person-to-person contact that may arise from travels or meetings.
A statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Henry Nkemadu, said Departments within the Commission that interface with customers have developed e-platforms where all licensing requests, consumer complaints and base transceiver station (BTS) investigation requests could be channeled or provide designated e-mail addresses to be used for such requests throughout the pandemic period.
The Commission also approved resource sharing by operators throughout the period of coronavirus. These include fibre optics cables and other resources in the event of cable cuts and other unforeseen developments during the period of coronavirus outbreak.
NCC directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country to ensure that their Corporate Social Responsibility are in tandem with government initiatives to tackle the pandemic.
According to the statement: “All social and official visits to the Commission have been cancelled immediately and visitors advised to use relevant online platforms and or telephone services in accessing the Commission’s services.
“For those who may be affected, the Commission implores them to take advantage of the Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) by dialing the toll-free number 112.
“The NCC supports Right of Passage (RoP) for all telecommunications members for easy movement in the event of a total lockdown and or restriction of movement.
“The regulator is also in support of RoP for suppliers that are involved in supplies of fuels, foods and other support services to telecom operators, to allow for free movement in the event of partial or total lockdown as a result of the coronavirus.”
NCC further disclosed that it’s in touch with Law Enforcement Agencies to constantly protect telecom infrastructure nationwide.
