The telecoms regulator says healthy competition is vital for the growth of the industry but noted that it will continue to engage all players
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigeria Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, has advocated for healthy competition to promote the growth of the telecommunication sector in Nigeria.
Maida said this during the week when he received the management of Airtel Networks Limited in Abuja.
According to a statement by Reuben Muoka, director of the commission’s public affairs, Maida told his guests that the NCC continues to give closer attention to the management of competition in the industry.
“We are more inclined to promote competition by creating a level-playing ground for all our licensees,” he said, adding that the Commission is looking at all sides of the issue on competition in the sector.
He said further: “Indeed, the rising cost of business is affecting every sector. We are also looking at a win-win regulatory approach, but we need to be careful to avoid over-regulation, as over-regulation is inimical to competition in the industry.
“The NCC has recently undertaken the review of all categories of licences, both class and individual, with a view to ensuring that our licensees are still able to work well within their capital and operating expenditure (COPEX).
“It’s critical for the NCC and telcos to develop win-win strategies for the Nigerian telecom industry so that everybody gets value. The Minister has a blueprint, the President has the Renewed Hope Agenda, and they need to achieve it while telcos need to deliver value to the customers.”
The Airtel delegation was led by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Carl Cruz, who congratulated the EVC for his appointment by the President and confirmation by the Senate.
Cruz said while the Commission deserves commendation for its competition regulatory policies and frameworks, which it has put in place over the years, such efforts must be sustained to ensure a healthy competitive environment for telecom licensees.