Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC
Telecoms sector riding high despite Nigeria’s economic challenges – Maida, NCC boss
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, said the telecom sector has continued to attract investment and boost the economy, in spite of the economic challenges in the country.
Maida noted the sector’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), stressing that it has performed well despite the country’s economic challenges.
The NCC boss spoke at a reception held recently in his honour by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria.
Indeed, the latest telecom industry statistics released by the NCC, the sector contributed 14.58% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2024, up from 14.13% in the same period in 2023.
Maida applauded the growth while acknowledging the sector’s numerous challenges.
According to him, “I think even the president realizes the importance of digital infrastructure to the future of Nigeria.”
The Commission and the Ministry are focused on implementing policies to enhance the telecom sector’s contribution to the GDP, aiming for a 25% contribution, he said.
“Myself and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy are working very closely to ensure sustainability for an industry that has done so well for the country with a 14% GDP contribution.
We believe we can achieve 25% and above, and work is ongoing in that regard with the Ministry,” he sssured.
The President of ATCON, Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, assured Maida of the industry’s support in addressing the telecom sector’s challenges.
However, he highlighted a list of issues requiring tbe intervention by the NCC, including a review of telecom service prices to reflect rising inflation, which the regulator has not yet permitted.
Dr. Maida assured the industry stakeholders that the commission would responded appropriately on the issues.
“There is a lot of work to be done, especially in addressing challenges faced by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for long-term sustainability,” he said.