NCC: Competition Vital for Telecom Sector Growth, Says Maida
By Patience Ikpeme
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted the pivotal role of competition in fostering the robust growth of the telecommunications sector.
Maida, addressing a delegation from Airtel Networks Limited in Abuja, expressed the Commission’s commitment to carefully managing industry competition.
“Our focus leans towards fostering healthy competition by establishing an equitable platform for all licensees,” Maida affirmed.
He emphasized the Commission’s comprehensive approach to assessing the nuances of competition within the sector. “The escalating cost of doing business impacts every facet. We aim for a regulatory approach that benefits all parties, steering clear of excessive regulation detrimental to industry competition,” he added.
Maida further outlined recent efforts by the NCC, stating, “We’ve recently conducted a thorough review of all license categories, both class and individual, ensuring our licensees can operate effectively within their capital and operating expenditure.”
Echoing this sentiment during the Airtel delegation’s visit, Maida stressed the necessity of a symbiotic relationship between regulatory frameworks and strategies for sustainable growth in the telecom industry.
“It’s imperative for the NCC and telcos to craft mutually beneficial strategies to enrich the Nigerian telecom landscape, ensuring value for all stakeholders. Aligning with the Minister’s blueprint and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, telcos must deliver value to their customers,” he emphasized.
The delegation from Airtel Networks, led by their Chief Executive Officer, Carl Cruz, commended the EVC for his presidential appointment and Senate confirmation. Cruz acknowledged the NCC’s commendable efforts in establishing regulatory policies and frameworks, emphasizing the importance of sustaining such measures to maintain a competitive and healthy environment for telecom licensees.
