ATCON Seeks CBN Intervention in Closing Telecom Infrastructure Disparities
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to step in and address the funding gap hindering the expansion of telecom infrastructure across the country.
During a visit to the Chairman of the House Committee on Telecommunications, Peter Akpatason, ATCON President Anthony Emoekpere emphasized the need for low-cost intervention funds from the CBN to support broadband infrastructure development.
Emoekpere highlighted challenges such as poor local content, funding deficits, and regulatory complexities, urging the committee to engage the CBN on behalf of telecom operators for strategic funding.
Emoekpere underscored the capital-intensive nature of the telecom sector, stressing the importance of substantial investments for efficient service provision.
He recommended emulating the Nigerian Local Content Management Board’s model for the Oil and Gas sector to address local content issues.
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Additional concerns raised included rising business costs, wholesale tariffs, Right of Way, and the necessity for critical national infrastructure.
In response, Akpatason emphasized the collaboration between the legislature and the private sector to drive growth and innovation.
He assured ATCON of the committee’s readiness to provide necessary parliamentary interventions and support. Akpatason revealed plans for a legislative regulator’s stakeholders forum to enhance understanding of challenges and aspirations in the telecom sector.
He proposed the formation of a committee, comprising members from both the legislature and ATCON, to formulate recommendations on identified issues.
Vice Chairman of the committee, Rep. Midala Balami, emphasized the importance of quality in developing local content to meet global standards.
Balami highlighted the need to harness the skills of Nigeria’s youthful population for real-time dividends of democracy, aligning with the government’s goal of fostering business growth and employment opportunities.
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