By Williams Ago
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is experiencing a significant transformation due to the rapid progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NCC, highlighted this evolution during the 2024 World Consumer Right Day celebration at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja.
Although represented on the occasion, Dr. Maida noted however that as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society, so they bring forth a complex web of legal and regulatory challenges.
According to him, since the emergence of 5G services in Nigeria, there has been a steady growth in the development and deployment of AI systems and services and that the commission has been constantly ensuring that the growth is the right direction that guarantees value addition to consumer satisfaction and experience as well as ensuring economic growth.
He said, "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, 2022.
"The first auction saw the emergence of MTN and MAFAB as the successful bidders while Airtel Networks Nigeria emerged as the sole bidder at the second auction.
"Since the emergence of these operators as providers of 5G services in Nigeria, there has been a steady growth in the development and deployment of AI systems and services and the commission has been constantly ensuring that the growth is the right direction that guarantees value addition to consumer satisfaction and experience as well as ensuring economic growth," he stressed.
He also stated that responsible AI requires mechanisms for holding systems accountable and explaining their decisions, adding that, consumers should understand how AI systems work and have a way to address issues or biases.
He then assured the commission's affirmation that this year's theme will be an integral part of its’ activities considering that AI is a force that is shaping our future in profound ways. This year's theme is “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer”.
Earlier, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the NCC, Mr. Clem Omife, said the World Consumer Rights Day is set aside to highlight the rights of consumers and protect them from exploitation, discrimination, and other forms of unfair practices.
He said, the Commission recognizes the important position the consumers occupy in the telecommunications ecosystem, and therefore will continue to develop and promote consumer centric initiatives aimed at ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected.
"The consumers will continue to occupy a special position in the commission’s activities because we recognize that without the Consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry," Mr. Omife assured.
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