GSMA Calls for Deregulation of Nigeria's Telecoms Industry

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