The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and The
Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), representing
Mobile Network Operators and telecommunication companies in Nigeria, are calling
upon the government to take decisive action in addressing the numerous challenges
confronting the telecommunications industry. In a statement released today, the
associations underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the public
and private sectors to overcome obstacles hindering the sector’s growth and
development.
Infrastructure Deficits: ALTON & ATCON members still lack access to essential
telecommunication services due to a myriad of challenges, including multiple taxation
and regulations and prohibitive Right of Way (RoW) charges, inadequate electric
power supply and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.
Protection of Assets and Network Infrastructure: Advocating for legislation that
designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure
(“CNI”): Both Associations expressed deep concern over the escalating security
threats facing telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria. Telecommunications
infrastructure undisputedly plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security and
socioeconomic growth, especially as the country currently contends with multiple
security challenges that require urgent and immediate actions in response to these
threats. Attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables, and other critical assets disrupt
telecommunications services and result in significant financial losses for operators.
The associations urge the government to prioritize the security of telecommunications
infrastructure and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection
measures and combat vandalism and sabotage effectively.
Cost-Reflective Tariff of Services: ALTON and ATCON respectfully reiterate that
telecommunications infrastructure development requires substantial investments in
network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades. Despite the adverse
economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet
to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last (11) years,
primarily due to regulatory constraints. For a fully liberalized and deregulated sector,
the current price control mechanism, which is not aligned with economic realities,
threatens the industry’s sustainability and can erode investors’ confidence. ATCON
and ALTON call upon the government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with
industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that
balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.
Regulatory Independence: ALTON & ATCON advocates for the sustenance of a
culture of independence in the regulatory landscape to safeguard against undue
influence and unwholesome incursion into the Nigerian Communications
Commission’s (NCC) or (Commission) domain, which will inspire trust in the
telecommunications sector and encourage investment. Regulatory neutrality and
independence are crucial to ensuring a thriving telecommunications sector. Statutory
provisions lend credence to this notion, as a lack of an impartial regulator will lead to
a failure to maintain public confidence in the objectivity and independence of its
decisions.
In conclusion, ALTON & ATCON reaffirms its commitment to working
collaboratively with the government to address the challenges facing the
telecommunications industry in Nigeria. By fostering a conducive regulatory
environment, prioritizing infrastructure development, enhancing security measures,
and facilitating pricing adjustments, the government can unlock the full potential of
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, driving economic growth and societal
development.
