The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a stance to address the impediments posed by Right of Way (ROW) charges and multiple taxation on telecommunication operations and investments within the country.
Aiming to foster a conducive environment for telecom operators, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Aminu Wada Maida, made this announcement during a media parley with members of the Abuja chapter of the Nigerian Telecommunication Reporters Association (NITRA) on Tuesday.
Expressing concerns over the exorbitant taxes levied on telecom operators, Maida highlighted the detrimental impact on attracting foreign investments into the sector. He emphasized the urgency of engaging state and local governments in an advocacy campaign to eliminate obstacles like ROW charges and excessive taxation, citing studies revealing tax burdens reaching up to 55% in certain regions.
Maida urged state governments to envision the long-term benefits of facilitating massive investments in the telecom sector, including job creation and the development of ancillary value chains. By fostering an investor-friendly environment, states stand to reap substantial socio-economic dividends.
Additionally, Maida revealed that the protracted dispute between telecom giants MTN Nigeria and Globacom Network has been amicably resolved, with a formal press statement forthcoming. The NCC prioritizes maintaining a level playing field for all stakeholders and is committed to forestalling future conflicts through collaborative measures.
Underpinning the Commission’s strategic Vision, Maida outlined five pillars aimed at propelling the telecom industry’s growth and sustaining its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Acknowledging consumer grievances regarding service quality from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Services Providers (ISPs), Maida affirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing the “total consumer experience.” With a focus on accountability, the NCC pledges to hold licensees responsible for meeting service obligations and ensuring optimal quality of service delivery.
In fostering a cooperative environment, the NCC emphasizes collaboration with critical stakeholders, including telecom operators and consumer advocacy groups, to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. However, the Commission maintains that enforcement measures will be implemented if licensees fail to comply with regulatory obligations, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting industry excellence.