The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a draft regulatory framework to address fraud, spam, and other challenges in the Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging sector.

The telecoms regulator, who made this announcement, said the proposed framework, introduced during a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, is a key step towards enhancing the sector’s integrity and ensuring a fair, transparent environment for all parties involved.

The draft framework, presented by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, represented by the commission’s Acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, Chizua Whyte, seeks to regulate the A2P messaging space.

The A2P messaging, used for notifications such as bank alerts, promotional campaigns, and government updates, has become a vital communication tool in Nigeria. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including consumer protection concerns, fraud, data privacy issues, and an unequal distribution of value within the ecosystem.

“Nigeria’s international A2P messaging space faces gaps that have led to fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. These challenges threaten the sustainable growth of this communication tool,” the NCC said.