The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the pivotal role of consumers in business success, stating that their protection is of utmost priority.

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

Maida acknowledged the evolving rights of consumers, including the rights to safety, information, choice, and being heard. Over the years, NCC has remained committed to highlighting the essential position of telecom consumers within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem. Additional rights have emerged, such as privacy, quality of service, timely redress, action on disputed charges, fair complaint processes, and accurate billing.

While acknowledging the widespread influence of AI in various sectors like healthcare, finance, and transportation, Maida stressed the need for responsible and ethical AI implementation. As the world celebrates AI advancements, ethical considerations must be addressed, including ensuring fairness and impartiality in AI systems and safeguarding privacy in the era of data-driven AI. These complex issues require careful examination and thoughtful solutions.

Responsible AI entails ethical usage throughout its development, deployment, and utilisation. This involves addressing concerns related to bias, privacy, transparency, and accountability. Responsible AI aims to empower consumers, foster trust, and mitigate negative consequences. Protecting individuals’ privacy remains crucial when employing AI, and organisations are urged to handle personal data responsibly while adhering to stringent privacy regulations.

Maida emphasized the need for mechanisms that hold AI systems accountable and provide explanations for their decisions. Consumers should have a comprehensive understanding of how AI systems operate and avenues to address issues or biases. In line with the global community’s efforts to advance digital services and enhance communication infrastructure, NCC conducted a highly transparent auction for 5G services in Nigeria on December 13, 2021, and December 5,022.