In a bid to foster the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on states and local government councils nationwide to reduce taxes imposed on telecom companies. The NCC emphasizes that excessive taxation could hinder the sector’s expansion and deter foreign investments, echoing President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the commission.
During an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Wada Maida, highlighted the burden imposed by current tax rates, ranging from 50 to 55 percent in some areas. Maida stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for foreign investments, especially regarding Right of Way charges and multiple levies imposed on operators.
“We are embarking on an advocacy campaign to convince states to remove obstacles like Right of Way and multiple taxations, as high taxation rates deter foreign investment,” stated Maida.
He urged states to consider the long-term benefits of attracting massive investments in the telecom sector, which could lead to job creation and stimulate various value chains within the industry.
In addition to addressing taxation concerns, Maida assured stakeholders of the NCC’s commitment to resolving disputes within the telecom sector. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a level-playing field for all operators, ensuring fair competition.
Furthermore, the NCC revealed its strategic vision based on five pillars aimed at driving the telecom industry’s growth and contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Acknowledging challenges related to service quality from Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers, the NCC pledged to adopt a “total consumer experience” approach to address consumer grievances effectively.
Regarding consumer complaints about data depletion, Maida advised consumers to consider factors such as handset quality and available digital services, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing quality of service.
The NCC’s efforts align with its mission to meet consumer expectations and ensure a seamless telecom experience, ultimately driving growth and innovation in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
