The Telecom industry is bouncing back as a key contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, after experiencing foreign exchange crisis about two years ago, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida has said.
He said from available statistics and projections, the industry has proven its resilience and progressive milestones as more funds are being invested in the sector by investors and operators.
“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,” Dr Maida said.
The EVC made the remarks at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, during an interactive session with newsmen. He was represented by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha.
Dr Maida said the industry has over the years faced some critical challenges such as Rights of Way (RoW), issues, fibre cuts and thefts, infrastructure vandalism, energy and forex related problems.
“One major issue affecting the quality of services and smooth operation of service providers is fibre cuts. When we look at the fibre cuts that occurred between 21st and 31st May, 2025, we recorded almost 147 cases in just a week. Such damage significantly affects smooth operations in that particular area,” Dr Maida said.
He said the NCC and other stakeholders have worked out mechanisms to address the challenges, assuring that Nigerians would in about two months’ time begin to experience improved quality of services and quality of experience.
To address the challenges of fibre cuts due to road construction and rehabilitation across the country, the EVC said a Memorandum of Understanding would soon be signed by the Federal Ministry of Works and the NCC.
He added that the NCC is also working in partnership with the Nigerian Governors Forum to address the issue of Rights of Way, while fears about possible disruptions of services due to the construction of Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway have been taken care of.
The NCC boss said the Commission would soon begin to name and shame individuals behind fibre cuts and theft of its critical infrastructures, while it would partner with office of the Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to prosecute those responsible for infrastructure vandalism and damage.
“Telecommunication services are crucial for ensuring national security, particularly for addressing security issues that require effective communication. Without effective telecommunication, achieving national security would be impossible.
“Telecommunication also plays a vital role in public welfare, contributing to the growth of a digital society. It provides an enabling environment for socialization and access to services. Without a robust telecommunication infrastructure, the public cannot fully enjoy the services provided.
“Furthermore, a stable telecommunication infrastructure is essential for every sector of the economy,” Dr Maida said.
While he appealed to the media for support and partnership, the EVC noted that discussions were yet on-going on other critical areas in the industry.
He said the Commission would also ensure that decisions taken on critical areas are in the best interests of Nigeria and consumers, emphasising that the Commission would do its parts based on internationally best practices and standards in the industry.
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/ncc-projects-higher-investments-in-telecom-sector/
