NCC underscores competitive telecom sector to drive digital economy

Joy Agwunobi 

Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has stressed the importance of competition in driving a healthy and dynamic telecommunications sector. 

Speaking at a recent meeting with Airtel executives in Abuja, Maida noted that competition spurs innovation and helps keep prices low for consumers. He also stressed the NCC’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all operators and to promoting a competitive market that attracts investment and benefits consumers.

The NCC’s approach to competition management, according to Maida, is balanced and takes into account all stakeholders in the sector.  He pointed out that while recognising the increased costs faced by operators, the NCC is also mindful of the need to promote fair competition and protect consumers.

“Indeed, the rising cost of business is affecting every sector.  We are also looking at a win-win regulatory approach, but we need to be careful to avoid over-regulation, as over-regulation is inimical to competition in the industry

“The NCC has recently undertaken the review of all categories of licences, both class and individual, with a view to ensuring that our licensees are still able to work well within their capital and operating expenditure (COPEX),” he said.

Maida emphasised the NCC’s commitment to ensuring a fair and sustainable regulatory framework that benefits all parties, including telecom operators, consumers, and the industry as a whole. He urged the industry to work together to develop strategies that are mutually beneficial, or “win-win” strategies. He highlighted the ministry of communications and digital economy’s blueprint and the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which outline the government’s vision for the sector. Maida stressed that telcos need to deliver value to consumers in order to meet these goals and realise the full potential of the sector.

On his part, Carl Cruz,, Airtel’s CEO, expressed his support for the NCC’s policies and frameworks. He noted that the NCC has created a competitive environment for telecom operators and emphasised the importance of maintaining this environment in order to ensure a level playing field for all licensees.

According to Cruz, Airtel is one of the leading telecom operators in Nigeria, and its support for the NCC’s policies is an indication of the importance of a healthy regulatory environment for the industry.