NCC aims to boost 25% telecoms sector contribution to GDP

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it is collaborating with the ministry of communications, innovation, and digital economy to implement the right policies to propel the contribution of the telecom sector to gross domestic product (GDP) to 25 percent.

 

Aminu Maida, executive vice-chairman of NCC, spoke on June 28 in Lagos during a reception hosted by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in his honour.

Maida said the sector had done well with its current 14.58 percent contribution but could do better if challenges confronting the industry are addressed.

“I know that there are challenges in the industry. I also want to assure you that we are taking them seriously,” he said.

“Myself and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, are working very closely looking at the right policies to ensure sustainability for an industry that has done so well for the country with 14% GDP contribution.

“We believe we can do 25% and above and work is going on in that regard with the Ministry.”

Maida said efforts are being made to improve connectivity in the nation by the commission and its partners.

Despite having around 200 million linked lines, he said over half of them are using second-generation cellular networks (2G) in Nigeria.

“There is a lot of work to be done, especially in addressing challenges faced by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for long-term sustainability,” Maida said.

“I think even the president realizes the importance of the digital infrastructure to the future of Nigeria for this great nation.”

Speaking on the recent requests by the telecom operators for the commission to approve tariff increases, Maida assured that the regulator has the best interest of the operators at heart.

However, Maida said as a regulator, there are two parties — the industry and the consumer — so NCC is working to get the right balance so everybody gets a fair deal.