In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have reaffirmed their commitment to a closer working relationship.
The commitment was highlighted following a high-level engagement between the leadership of both organizations, focused on addressing the infrastructure deficit, regulatory hurdles, and investment opportunities within the Nigerian telecommunications sector.
The meeting, which featured key executives from ATCON and senior officials from the NCC, served as a platform to discuss the evolving landscape of the industry.
“The discussions centered on creating a more enabling environment for telecommunications operators, ranging from Tier-1 mobile network operators to smaller Internet Service Providers (ISPs)”, a source who was at the meeting told Techeconomy.
This was also collaborated by a statement released via ATCON’s official LinkedIn page, confirming that the partnership aims to bridge the communication gap between the regulator and the regulated, ensuring that policies are both forward-thinking and practical for industry players.
The renewed partnership is expected to focus on several critical areas such infrastructure protection by addressing the frequent challenges of vandalism and the “Right of Way” (RoW) issues that hinder the expansion of fiber optic networks.
“Quality of Service (QoS) is another key issue discussed. The partners agreed on working together to establish benchmarks that improve the user experience for millions of Nigerian subscribers.
The ATCON delegation led by the president, Tony Emoekpere, also emphasized on NCC ensuring its guidelines reflect the operational realities of ATCON members to encourage sustainable business growth.
ATCON, acting as the umbrella body for the industry, expressed optimism that the NCC’s current leadership is attentive to the concerns of investors.
By fostering an atmosphere of transparency and inclusivity, the association believes Nigeria can more effectively attract the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) required to achieve the targets set out in the National Broadband Plan.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the EVC of NCC, on his part, reiterated the Commission’s role as a fair arbiter, emphasizing that its goal is to protect consumer interests while ensuring that the telecommunications sector remains a robust contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This engagement marks a significant step in reducing friction within the sector. Industry analysts suggest that a synchronized relationship between ATCON and the NCC is vital for the successful rollout of 5G services and the expansion of digital inclusion to Nigeria’s underserved rural areas.
As the industry faces macroeconomic pressures, this unified stance provides a sense of stability for stakeholders and sets the stage for a more resilient digital future for the country.
