Legal Remedies for Consumers of Telecommunications Services in Nigeria

With the deregulation of the telecommunications sector in 2002, the sector has remained one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. Deregulation and the introduction of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) have revolutionized telecommunications in the country. The consequent expansion of the industry and its consumer base has been followed by consumer complaints in various forms. The Nigerian Communications Act, which regulates the telecommunications industry, established the Nigerian Communications Commission and provides for licensing of operators, quality of services and dispute resolution in the industry. This paper examines the remedies available to a consumer who suffers loss or damage as a result of poor quality services. It is argued herein that there is adequate mechanism for redress for consumers of telecommunication services in Nigeria