In Q2 2023, telecom investment in Nigeria increased from $38 billion to $77 billion

According to Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecom investment in Nigeria will expand significantly, from $38 billion to $77 billion, by the second quarter of 2023. This information was disclosed during a media interaction with Kano-based media stakeholders.

Prof. Umar also made note of the telecom industry’s contribution of 16% to the nation’s GDP during this time. According to Danbatta, these numbers were computed by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics.

“The quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16% and this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy from about eight per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when I resumed office as the EVC of NCC,” he said.

The NCC chief attributed the success to the commission’s dependable and efficient regulatory oversight. He added that the industry has advanced significantly during the last 20 years, characterised by exceptional growth, higher regulatory standards, and notable digital breakthroughs that won recognition on a global scale.

He stated that within the specified time period, Nigeria had 218.9 million telephone customers, 159.5 million internet subscribers, and 88.7 million broadband users. The growth of broadband in the country has been hampered by a number of factors, including right-of-way restrictions, fibre damage, high deployment costs, numerous taxes, and regulatory concerns, according to Danbatta.

However, he gave assurance that the NCC would make an effort to solve the difficulties brought on by regulatory complexities, the digital divide, and literacy issues.

Nigerian Emergency Communication Centre expansion

Professor Danbatta also made plans to establish emergency communication centres in each of the 36 federally recognised states and Abuja, the federal capital. Once created, these facilities will make it easier for people in need to contact emergency response organisations across the country.

He also disclosed an increase in research funding given to universities, from N20 million to N30 million. He added that this extended funding has already benefited three universities, who choose to remain anonymous.

“The NCC, as a regulator, is aware that telecom is a facilitator and catalyst for the nation’s economic progress. To remove some telecoms hurdles, it has continually made accessible, affordable, and available telecoms service, the speaker said.

Prof. Umar acknowledged the challenges the commission was facing, such as the willful destruction of its infrastructure and the numerous fees levied on telecom companies. According to him, the obstacles the commission faces include the fact that telecommunications companies are subject to a total of 41 separate tax categories.

He emphasised the commission’s dedication to keeping lines of communication open with key players in the media sector in order to keep the general public informed about its operations.

NCC and media sector stakeholders should communicate openly.

The commitment to open communication is based on the ideas of accountability and transparency. By maintaining open lines of communication, the NCC can give transparent explanations of its activities and decisions, promoting public and media organizations’ trust. This openness is crucial in a sector as important as telecommunications.

Additionally, maintaining the public’s level of knowledge is a top priority. The NCC is aware that providing information about legislative amendments, government initiatives, and business trends enables people to make well-informed decisions about their communication services. Making well-informed decisions is crucial at a time when connectivity is becoming more and more important to everyday life.

Furthermore, communication serves as a useful feedback mechanism. The NCC can gather opinions, ideas, and issues from numerous sources by interacting with media stakeholders and the general public. The commission can make more informed decisions that are sensitive to the requirements and expectations of its varied stakeholders thanks to this feedback loop, which is quite helpful.

There will inevitably be difficulties in the constantly changing world of telecommunications. These problems may have repercussions that are far-reaching, whether they include the loss of vital infrastructure or the imposition of excessive taxes. By keeping lines of communication open, the NCC can quickly address these issues by gaining the cooperation and understanding of both stakeholders and the general public.

Open communication is a driver for innovation, to say the least. The telecommunications industry can be stimulated to think creatively and futuristically by sharing information about the NCC’s initiatives and regulatory objectives. When telecom businesses and other stakeholders have a comprehensive grasp of the regulatory environment and the direction the industry is going, they can better plan their investments.

It is a methodology that is advantageous to the sector, its members, and the country as a whole.

Author

Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

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