The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for enforcing the payment of N300 billion USSD debt owed by banks to its members.
The association’s chairman, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, who gave the commendation when he led a delegation of the body on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the NCC Board, Dr. Idris Olorunnimbe, thumped up the telecoms regulatory commission for also strengthening the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with the upward review of telecoms services tariffs.
Despite the positive development, the industry expert solicited the assistance of the NCC’s board and management on multiple taxation and vandalisation of fibre optics and other assets, both of which, he lamented had placed a heavy burden on the telecom operators.
The ALTON leader advocated the need for urgent action on regulatory independence, harmonized taxation, and protection of critical infrastructure to secure long‑term sector stability and growth of the telecoms industry
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He further clarified: “When Dr. Maida assumed office, he inherited significant industry challenges. One of the most difficult was the USSD debt crisis — a debt burden that grew over four years to nearly N300 billion. It had become a systemic risk to our sectore and the digital financial ecosystem.
“Through firm leadership, structured engagement, and decisive coordination, Dr. Maida and his team resolved this issue. Today, there is no outstanding USSD debt. The ecosystem has fully migrated to end-user billing. What was once a looming crisis has been converted into a sustainable framework. We are immensely grateful”, Adebayo added.
The ALTON boss recalled that for 13 years, the telecoms industry’s tariffs were not reviewed despite the surging inflation, Naira exchange volatility, aging infrastructure, and escalating energy costs, among other macroeconomic variables.
He expatiated: “Our tariffs fell significantly below cost. Investment slowed. Networks became strained. The sector was approaching a stage where service rationing was becoming a real possibility.
“We made evidence-based representations to Government. The approval granted last year for cost-reflective tariff adjustments was not merely administrative — it saved the industry from collapse.
“Today, we are seeing companies gradually return to profitability. Network stabilization has improved. Capital expenditure planning has resumed.
“We commend the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Executive Vice Chairman, and the leadership of Government for presenting the right case and securing approval for tariff review. That decision preserved sector viability”, the ALTON leader added.
Adebayo also noted the progress made by the Federal Government in the area of foreign exchange (FX) and inflation rate moderation, pointing out that recent infrastructure investment by MTN Nigeria in IHS Towers further demonstrates renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s telecom market.
To consolidate on the industry’s growth, the industry expert charged the NCC’s board and management to strengthen regulations and help to harmonise taxation in the telecommunications sector as multiple agency regulations and taxation have created worrisome situations for the MNOs.
He lamented that the MNOs continued to face excessive sub-national taxes and levies even as the enforcement tactics by the subnational authorities such as telecoms site shutdowns directly impact negatively on Quality of Service and national connectivity.
The ALTON leader advised the NCC Board that in addition to legislation, structured advocacy with critical stakeholders, including Nigeria Governors’ Forum towards the harmonization of Right of Way and sub-national taxation regime, remained critical to the sustainable growth of the industry.
Adebayo listed other critical stakeholders the NCC Board should also engage in advocacy as including the National Economic Council (NEC) towards integration of telecom infrastructure into state planning; Federal and State Ministries of Works, for fibre mapping and damage compensation protocols; and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for CNII enforcement framework, amongst others.
In his remarks, the NCC Board chairman thanked the ALTON for its sustained commitment to the growth of the telecoms industry, despite the macroeconomic whirlwinds, and assured the delegation of the NCC to continue to partner with all stakeholders in its sustained drive to achieve its mandate.
