The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has said to sustain the growth in the Telecom sector there’s need for stable financing to guarantee sustainability in the sector.
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Danbatta stated this at the ongoing 18th Abuja international trade fair organised by the Abuja, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), with the theme – ‘Sustainable Financing and Taxation’
Professor Danbatta who was represented by the Director Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), of the NCC, Alkasim Umar, he said,
“Sustainable financing in telecommunication involves sourcing the necessary capital to build and maintain robust telecommunications networks. As regulators, we understand that this financing should be stable, accessible and conducive for industry growth.
On the issues of taxation, he stressed the need for a balance between taxation and revenue generation to enable growth.
“Taxation while essential for funding of Government initiatives must strike a delicate balance between revenue generation and industry growth.Our role as regulator, is to advocate for fair taxation practices that do not stifle innovation or place undue burden on consumers.
“We acknowledge the intricacies of tax policies but emphasise the importance of creating an environment where telecommunications companies can thrive.
According to the NCC Boss “to address these challenges the Commission continuously engage both the Federal and State Government on the need to harmonise taxation in the telecommunications sector.” He said
He noted that the Commission recognises the fact that telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.
“As it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially through technology.
“NCC’s regulatory efforts in deepening access to digital services will benefit Nigeria and make it competitive comparable with other economies in the areas of job creation; contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth; emergence of new services and industries; workforce transformation; and business innovation.
“It is in our response to ensuring that Nigeria is competitive in all these areas that the Commission continuously puts a number of regulatory measures in place to ensure seamless access by Nigerians to telecommunications services in order to deepen competitiveness of the Nigerian economy by making our businesses and industries digitally compliant, ” he emphasised .
The Director CAB, NCC, Alkasim Umar, represented by the Head, Consumer Policy Development and Monitoring at NCC, Mr Ayanbanji Ojo in his remarks said, “As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we address the issue of sustainable financing and taxation to ensure its long term viability.”
He also noted that the NCC has put measures in place ensure the consumer is protected .
“NCC’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and a level-playing field for all stakeholders in the telecommunication industry, particularly in safeguarding the interest of consumers from abuse of their rights and privilege, and against unfair practices in the telecom service value chain.
“This commitment is demonstrated by the Commission’s continuous effort to establish seamless programs that will Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives such as:
Consumer Education Outreach Programmes, Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), Telecom Town Halls on Radio (TTR), Telecom Consumer Conservation (TCC), Professionals’ Dialogue, Village Square Dialogue, Television (TV) Dialogue, and Trade Fairs such as this one today, NYSC, Student – Campuses
Consumer Complaints Management (CCM):
“Strategic partnership with Law Enforcement agencies to protect Telecom Infrastructure: ” he said
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