The Nigerian Communications Commission has endorsed Airtel Africa’s AI-powered spam alert service, describing it as a proactive measure to curb telecom fraud and protect subscribers from rising spam messages and scams.
Launched in Lagos on Thursday, the service leverages artificial intelligence to detect and block suspicious messages before they reach consumers, addressing growing concerns over phishing, fraud, and unsolicited messages in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, praised Airtel Africa for taking proactive steps to protect subscribers.
He urged other telecom operators to follow suit, warning that regulatory intervention could be necessary if operators fail to act.
“I’m pleased to see operators taking the initiative to self-regulate. If we have to intervene, we know what that means,” Maida said.
“Spam messages and fraud are becoming more sophisticated, and this AI-powered solution provides a much-needed layer of security,” he added.
Maida also expressed optimism that the initiative would help Nigeria drop out of the top 10 countries most affected by telecom fraud.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to working with telecom operators to enhance consumer security and ensure a safer digital ecosystem.
Maida emphasised that collaboration between regulators and industry players is essential to strengthening telecom security measures.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the broader role of telecommunications in Nigeria’s economy, noting that companies like Airtel play a crucial role in driving digital growth.
“Airtel’s services have significantly improved productivity across rural and urban areas, enabling millions of Nigerians to access digital opportunities,” Tijani said.