NCC confirms the problems of the telecommunications sector in the face of the 25% GDP target

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the weekend admitted that the telecommunications sector is facing challenges and expressed hope that the issues would be resolved immediately.

The Executive Vice President (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, stated this when operators operating under the umbrella of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) hosted him in Lagos.

Maida, who recognized the challenges facing the industry, said that while Nigeria has close to 200 million connected lines, more than half of them use 2G technology.

“There is therefore much work to be done, especially in addressing the challenges facing MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in terms of long-term sustainability,” he noted.

The EVC acknowledged that the challenges were serious, “but we are looking at them with the Minister. The industry performed well for the country, contributing about 14 percent to GDP.

Earlier, ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere thanked EVC for presenting an open-door policy that allowed players to have closer contact with the Commissioner.

He expressed confidence in Maida’s leadership style to address the multi-faceted challenges plaguing the industry. Members of the body declared their readiness to cooperate with EVC in order to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from 14 to 25 percent in the near future.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies CEO Wale Abu said: “When EVC was established, I did a quick Google search and was amazed by your credentials. EVC, you currently control about 14 percent of the country’s GDP.

“You have made a good start by taking the initiative to meet with the captains of the industry. The NCC is an accessible regulatory commission, which is a credit to the leadership. I hope that during your tenure, this industry will grow from 14 to 25 per cent contribution to the country’s GDP.”

On his part, the MD/CEO of VDT Communications, Biodun Omoniyi, said the industry was happy to have the EVC. He said candidly that there are challenges across the country, “but ours is special.”

“However, with EVC at the forefront of things, we stand ready to work with you to realise your vision for the sector. Collaboration is key.”

CEO of Equinix-owned MainOne, Funke Opeke, said the industry needs a strategy to address the challenges it faces. “Thank you for taking the time to be with us this evening. ATCON has been actively involved in a program aimed at developing Nigeria, especially the telecommunications sector. Under your administration, we will look at strategies and outcomes that will benefit Nigerians.”