CDJCR Applauds NCC, CBN for Joint Framework to Tackle Failed Airtime and Data Transactions

By our Correspondent

The Centre for Digital Justice and Consumer Rights (CDJCR) has lauded the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for developing a unified framework designed to curb the persistent issue of failed airtime recharges and data subscription transactions across electronic platforms.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Kenechukwu Opara, the organisation described the move as a long-overdue consumer protection reform that would help restore public trust in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.

According to Opara, the framework seeks to promote accountability among all stakeholders involved in electronic transactions and represents a significant step toward safeguarding millions of telecom users who often lose money due to failed transactions and delayed reversals.

“For too long, consumers have suffered the consequences of system failures that are neither their fault nor within their control. This collaboration between the NCC and the CBN is a bold step toward ending the negligence and impunity that have characterised digital transaction failures in the telecom sector,” Opara said.

He praised the leadership of the NCC under its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, for demonstrating a strong commitment to consumer protection, adding that the Commission has taken proactive steps to address common complaints from telecom subscribers.

Opara noted that the partnership between the NCC and CBN underscores the importance of regulatory synergy in addressing challenges within Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

“Consumers are not just users; they are the foundation of the telecom and financial systems. By ensuring customers receive full value for every recharge and data purchase, the NCC is protecting consumer rights and strengthening confidence in the nation’s cashless and digital inclusion policies,” he stated.

He urged both regulators to ensure that the new framework is implemented with clear timelines, transparent processes, and enforceable sanctions against operators who fail to meet agreed service standards.

“We encourage both agencies to publish service level expectations for all stakeholders — telecom operators, payment processors, and financial institutions — so that consumers can identify who to hold accountable when transactions fail,” Opara added.

The CDJCR Director also commended the CBN for recognising the importance of consumer inclusion in its financial protection agenda, pointing out that digital financial services are now vital to the daily lives of millions of Nigerians, particularly low-income users who rely on mobile platforms for microtransactions.

He said the partnership between the NCC and CBN should serve as a model for other sectors where finance, technology, and service delivery intersect.

“This level of inter-agency collaboration shows that government institutions can truly act in the best interest of citizens. The next step is to ensure strict enforcement and regular review of the framework to reflect emerging technologies and evolving consumer challenges,” Opara said.

He called on telecom operators and banks to fully comply with the new regulatory provisions, stressing that consumer satisfaction must remain central to their operations.

Opara reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to monitoring compliance and advocating for fair, reliable, and transparent digital services for Nigerians.

“The days of consumers losing their hard-earned money to failed transactions without redress should be over. The NCC and CBN have given Nigerians renewed confidence — now, it’s up to the industry to deliver,” he concluded.