AN APPRAISAL OF THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS’ RIGHTS IN THE NIGERIA’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY

Abstract

Telecommunication industry is very pertinent for the growth and development of any nation. It involves a long-distance transmission of information via electronic devices such as computers, phones and radios. Telecommunication utilizes various technologies and systems to facilitate communication and/or interaction between individuals or groups spread across various regions or places. In Nigeria, it has made communication easier and clearly quicker. As the telecommunication industry continues to increase and boom in Nigeria, the protection of the rights of people who are obviously the major consumers of the product in the country becomes even more important. This Article critically evaluated the protection of the rights of consumers in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. The researchers employed doctrinal research methodology while data were garnered from both primary and secondary sources. Findings revealed that little or no attention is paid to the protection of the rights of consumers in the Nigerian telecommunication industry as fraud, exploitation, extortion and all manner of abusive practices in the sector hold sway. The study ended with recommendations centred around strengthening the legal and enforcement mechanisms, improving transparency and access to information amongst other things.