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Regulators, Stakeholders Face-off May Hamper Growth of Telecoms Sector

By on November 26, 2012

 

NCC Vice Chairman, Dr. Eugene Juwah

In view of the phenomenal growth the Nigerian economy has witnessed since the launching  of the GSM network services since 2001, there are concerns that the current cold relationship between the Regulatory body the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Stakeholders i.e Telecoms Operators could impede the momentum of the very important and lucrative sector.

This was the highlight of a forum held by stakeholders in the Telecommunications Industry organised recently by Postnet Communications in Abuja partnering with the Nigerian Communication Commission(NCC) monitored by Thisday Newspapers.

At the forum issues affecting the sector were highlighted with a view to exploring new ways by which the Government and Telecom Operators can have a better relationship that will boost the growth of the sector.

Currently some of the policy measures of the Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission identified by the Telecoms Operators like multiple taxation, multiple regulation, incessant closure of telecoms sites and lengthened time for approval of right of way as part of the gridlock affecting the pace of the sector.

At the forum the Executive Vice Chairman Dr Eugene Juwah who was represented by Mrs Lolia Emakpore said that “Telecoms Infrastructure has become key national infrastructure. The sector has created jobs and attracted investments, but faced with several challenges”.

Juwah further went on to say “There are no regulatory environments in developing countries without peculiar challenges, which may include poor power supply, difficulties in the use of public infrastructure, multiple taxation and regulation and facilitates vandalism”.

The Telecoms operators had stressed that the excessive nature of regulation and under-utilization of the potentials of the infrastructure that can accelerate the growth of the sector is part of the factors militating against the effective service delivery expected from the operators.

Organizers of the forum were optimistic that if the  Government collaborates with the Telecoms operators on better ways of enhancing the sector, and there is better understanding amongst the operators themselves, the sector will definitely experience a boost.