Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

GSMA Calls for Deregulation of Nigeria's Telecoms Industry

POSTED ON May 14, 2024 •   Business      BY Samuel O . Adeniyi
Telecommunication Mast | Photo Credit: Vanguard

The Groupe Special Mobile Association (GSMA), an international telecom body, has joined the calls for the deregulation of Nigeria's telecoms industry. 

This comes as major players like MTN push for increased mobile tariffs to boost revenue and investment in network infrastructure. 

GSMA made the call in its Digital Economy Report, adding that only 29 per cent of Nigerians have regular access to mobile internet, while 71 per cent lack such access. 

The report attributes this to industry challenges hindering telecom coverage expansion. 

Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at the GSMA, speaking on the development emphasized the mobile industry's role in driving digital transformation, stating, "High-speed connectivity is the bedrock of any digital nation, and the Nigerian government recognises the mobile industry’s role in laying key foundations on which digital transformation is built." 

She further advocated for policies that reduce the cost and complexity of infrastructure rollout, emphasizing the broader economic benefits of such actions, including increased productivity and job creation. 

The GSMA emphasized the need for a supportive policy and regulatory framework to achieve Nigeria's digital transformation goals, as outlined in the country's Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN). It stressed that universal access to digital connectivity is crucial for broader economic development. 

The report highlighted that Nigeria could gain 15 million internet users by 2028 with the right policies, stating, "An improved policy environment has the potential to help the industry boost coverage and adoption, resulting in 15 million additional internet users by 2028. However, the sector faces challenges to infrastructure deployment." 

These challenges include complex and costly Rights of Way (RoW) processes, a complex tax environment, and rising operational costs due to fuel price increases and government fees. 

The report recommends initiatives to create an environment that supports growth, investment, and competition.

These include implementing a legal framework for Critical National Infrastructure, simplifying RoW procedures, reducing the industry's tax burden, and creating a regulatory environment that encourages sustainable investment

READ ALSO
Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills to Transform Nigeria's Fiscal Framework
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has enacted four tax reform bills that focus on crucial aspec...

READ ALSO
Tinubu to Sign Four Tax Reform Bills into Law Thursday
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu is set to sign four pivotal tax reform bills designed to revamp Nigeria's fisc...

READ ALSO
Nigeria Takes Bold Step towards Energy Independence with Naira-Based Crude Sales Initiative
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 25, 2025 0

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, alongside the Federal Government’s One-Stop-Sho...

READ ALSO
Nigeria's 2024 Budget Capital Extension Draws Criticism from Economists
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 25, 2025 0

The Senate and House of Representatives have once again prolonged the implementation of the capital...

READ ALSO
IPMAN Links Rising Petrol Prices to Crude Oil Costs and Market Dynamics
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Associati...

READ ALSO
NGX Opens Week Bullish, Gains N279bn Amid Renewed Investor Confidence
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) commenced the trading week on a bullish trajectory, adding N279...

READ ALSO
Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S. Airstrikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

Oil prices rose on Monday while the dollar gained strength following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's n...

READ ALSO
POS Terminals Drive N223tn in Transactions Amid Shift From ATMs
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

Point of Sale (POS) terminals processed transactions worth N223.27 trillion in 2024, marking a drama...

OUR CHANNELS:

Kebbi Vows to Tackle Informants Aiding Bandits
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 27, 2025 0

KEBBI, Nigeria - Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has pledged to take action against informant...


PDP seeks Tinubu’s intervention in Osun Crisis
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has urged President Bola Tinubu to step in re...


24 Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC Amid Unresolved Internal Conflicts
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

AKWA IBOM, Nigeria - Twenty-four out of the 26 members of the House of Assembly in Akwa Ibom State h...


Nigeria's 2024 Budget Capital Extension Draws Criticism from Economists
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

The Senate and House of Representatives have once again prolonged the implementation of the capital...


Chelsea Advances to Last 16 of Club World Cup with 3-0 Win Over Esperance
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

Liam Delap netted his first goal for Chelsea during a 3-0 victory over Tunisian champions Esperance...


IPOB Rejects Tinubu's Cattle Ranch Proposal as a Disguise for Land Grabbing
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed its disapproval of President B...


Police Unveils New Strategies to Combat Gunmen and Restore Public Confidence
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ANAMBRA, Nigeria - In its continued efforts to boost security and regain public trust, the Anambra S...


Nigeria's Gemstone Potential: A Deep Dive into 10 Rare Minerals and Their Regions of Origin
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

Nigeria is making waves with a revolutionary $400 million Foreign Direct Investment dedicated to cre...


IPMAN Links Rising Petrol Prices to Crude Oil Costs and Market Dynamics
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Associati...


EFCC Charges Businessman, Company with $75,000 Fraud
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

A businessman, Peter Otomewu, along with his company, Pebeto Enerji Limited, was brought before the...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu