The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Gbenga Adebayo has said the telecoms sector should not be a palliative to solve economic woes.
He said this during his address at the Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report launch which took place in Abuja.
According to Adebayo, the telecom industry faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and development.
He emphasised the need for sustainable investment, effective regulation, and a conducive business environment to drive progress.
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Daily Trust on Sunday reports that the GSMA digital report highlights the telecom’s eight percent contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and 13.5 percent when considering the broader ICT ecosystem.
The report also highlights the significant challenges plaguing the industry including investment challenges, right of way, multiple taxation and regulation.
Adebayo noted the existence of over 45 associated charges and levies on operators, despite the supposed removal of right of way costs.
He said that it creates an unfavourable business environment, discouraging investment and hindering the industry’s ability to deliver quality services.
He also stressed that regulatory interference and the lack of independence for the regulator exacerbate the problem.
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