FG backs ban on telecoms promos, lotteries

The Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, yesterday disclosed that the Federal Government was behind the ban of promos and lotteries on telecommunication companies imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In a statement available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, the minister revealed that the Ministry directed NCC to ban promos and lotteries in the telecommunications sector following poor service delivery, which was believed to be caused by too much promotions by telecos.

She said the problem became overbearing and the federal government was angry about the state of telecommunication in the country so, it became pertinent that the actions be taken to correct the development.

Adding, she said to solve the problem; the Ministry also collaborated with the Ministry of environment to reduce approval time to facilitate speedy development and service improvement, liaised with the ministry of works to develop new guidelines that will ensure quality service delivery.

In her words, the minister said, “My ministry also made a presentation to the National Economic Council on the need for multiple taxations and regulations bedevilling the industry to be tackled at the state level to enable quality service delivery in the country.”

It was last year, on the 8th of October that NCC announced the ban on telecos’ promotions and lotteries on all networks occasioned by poor service delivery.

Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, who announced the ban said, the move was necessary to correct poor service delivery and congestion within the network caused by the actions of lotteries and promotions.

“The ban is with immediate effect and shall continue to remain in force until such a time as may be determined by the commission,” Ojobo said.

Meanwhile, few months after the ban some telecoms consumer groups rose against the ban, clamouring for the reversal of the ban but after the revelation by the Minister that the FG was behind the ban, it has become obvious that those against the ban have a lot to cross ahead of their success.