NCC Chief emphasizes competition’s vital role in telecom sector growth

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), highlighted the crucial role of competition in fostering the robust growth of the telecoms sector. Speaking during a meeting with Airtel Networks Limited’s management delegation in Abuja on Wednesday, Maida emphasized the NCC’s commitment to managing competition effectively within the industry.

Maida expressed the NCC’s inclination to promote competition by establishing a level playing field for all licensees. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising cost of business across sectors and emphasized the importance of adopting a win-win regulatory approach, carefully avoiding over-regulation to ensure a competitive industry.

The NCC recently conducted a comprehensive review of all license categories, both class and individual, aiming to ensure that licensees can operate effectively within their capital and operating expenditure (COPEX). Maida stressed the significance of developing win-win strategies and a regulatory framework for the sustainability of the telecom industry.

During the visit, Airtel’s CEO, Carl Cruz, commended the NCC for its competition regulatory policies and frameworks, emphasizing the need to sustain such efforts for a healthy competitive environment among telecom licensees. Maida and Cruz discussed the importance of aligning strategies to deliver value to customers while supporting the national agenda outlined by the Minister and President.