Dr. Aminu Maida, the Nigeria Communications Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), has stated that strong competition is essential for the telecommunications sector’s success.
During his meeting with a group of executives from Airtel Networks Limited in Abuja on Wednesday, Maida announced that the Commission will be paying more attention to industry competition management.
“Our inclination is to foster competition by ensuring that all our licensees are on an equal footing,” he stated.
The head of the NCC clarified that the Commission is considering all viewpoints about the sector’s competitive problem.
Indeed, all industries are feeling the pinch of the growing cost of doing business. Also, we’re considering a win-win regulatory strategy, but we must be wary of over-regulation, which hurts industry competition, he said.
He announced that the NCC has recently reviewed all types of licenses to make sure that licensees could still keep their capital and operating expenditure (COPEX) under control.
The Commission believes it is vital to have a win-win strategy and regulatory framework in place to safeguard the survival of the telecom industry, as Maida stated during the visit by the Airtel delegation, in keeping with the regulatory approach.
To ensure that all parties involved in the Nigerian telecom business benefit, it is essential that the NCC and telcos work together to establish win-win strategies. He stated that telecoms should focus on providing value to customers as the Minister and President work to accomplish their respective agendas, which include the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The chief executive officer of Airtel Network, Carl Cruz, led the delegation and congratulated the EVC on his appointment and Senate approval.
According to Cruz, the Commission’s long-standing competition regulatory policies and frameworks are commendable, but they must be maintained if telecom licensees are to enjoy a healthy competitive environment.
