The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday expressed optimism that the ongoing investments by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and policy support from the government would deepen telecommunications services nationwide with the attendant implications for quality of the services.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who expressed this view during the interactive session with journalists in Abuja, spoke on the efforts being made by the commission, particularly through relevant security agencies, to ensure the successful implementation of the Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Act 2024 and protect the sector’s critical infrastructure from vandalism and other forms of abuses.
The EVC, who was represented at the event by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, recalled the challenges faced by the MNOs in the past years to operate profitably, stressing that with the level of investments by the telcos and policy support measures by the Federal Government, including the recently approved tariff review for services, the operators are gradually posting returns on their investments.
He explained: “About two years ago, we noticed a situation where some of our key operators were recording massive losses. Despite increasing revenues, they were struggling with heavy forex-related obligations that ate into their revenue. This led to poor quality of service.
“However, with the recent tariff adjustment exercise, these operators are now back on the path to profitability. As a result, they’re able to reinvest in their networks, which will lead to better quality of service and experience.
“We expect investments in the industry to increase significantly this year, more than what was seen in the last two years. The Nigerian telecom industry has great promise, evident in its revenue growth and service delivery, despite the recent challenges”, the industry expert added.
On the collaborative arrangements between the NCC and other agencies, he explained the importance of collaboration and information sharing between the NCC and other stakeholders to address challenges in the telecom industry
According to the EVC, the NCC is working with relevant agencies like the NSCDC to tackle the sundry problems in the industry, particularly those relating to damages to critical infrastructure, and prosecute offenders.
The CNII, officially the “Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order,” was signed into law in June 2024.
It designated specific ICT systems, networks, and infrastructure as CNII and aims to protect them as critical national assets, recognizing their importance to the nation’s economy, security, and public well-being.
