LAGOS. – MTN, the mobile network operator, bemoaned the “over-regulation” of the Nigerian telecommunication sector saying it was one of the biggest causes of the industry’s under-performance.
“The Nigeria telecoms sector today is the most regulated sector of the economy. More than five agencies are tasked with rules and regulations that telecoms companies must follow.
“This is gradually killing the sector. The telecoms sector is a highly sensitive and capital intensive one. When there are too many restrictions and sanctions on the sector, I can assure you that some companies will begin to pack up sooner or later,” general manager, consumer marketing, MTN, Kolawole Oyeyemi, said.
Oyeyemi made the point in Lagos during a one-day symposium to celebrate the Nigeria consumer. In his speech as guest speaker at the event, Oyeyemi argued that there were “too many” agencies of government tasked with the regulation of the telecommunications sector. He listed the agencies to include the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Infrastructure Regulatory Agency, Consumer Protection Agency and State Infrastructure Regulatory Agencies.
Oyeyemi stated that each of these agencies made different “difficult demands” on the telecoms companies which eventually struggle daily to meet those demands. He pleaded with government and regulatory agencies to “soft peddle” on their harsh attitude and sanction of the sector.
Oyeyemi also pleaded for better for better understanding and working relationship between the regulatory agencies and telecoms companies.
He added that Nigeria telecoms consumers were the most protected in the country as every sanction imposed on telecoms firm was for the interest of the consumer. – CAJ News.