TECHDIGEST-The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has recruited Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC), a worldwide consulting firm, to analyze the existing degree of performance inside the collocation and infrastructure sharing (CIS) segment of the telecom sector, which currently has 78 licensees. The NCC is using its regulatory powers under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003 to hire the consulting firm. The research will be completed between April and July 2022.

Yetunde Akinloye, Director, Policy, Competition and Economy Analysis (PCEA) at NCC, who spoke on behalf of EVC Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta at a stakeholder’s forum in Lagos, said the study will provide the Commission with insightful and evidence-based facts on the dynamics at play and ensure the continued growth of the CIS segment of the telecom market. The study is a priority for NCC, according to Akinloye, because the collocation and infrastructure sharing portion of the telecom ecosystem plays a crucial role in guaranteeing reliable services. The stakeholders’ forum, according to Akinloye, was organized to inform operators in the CIS section of the telecom market about the study and to ensure their buy-in and cooperation with the consultants conducting it. According to Akinloye, the NCC undertakes periodic studies to analyze the level of competition in the industry in order to fulfill its purpose of establishing an enabling environment for industry competition as well as assuring the supply of high-quality and efficient telecoms services.

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“Having successfully conducted competition assessment studies in 2005, 2010, and 2013, the Commission had issued determinations based on the findings of the studies while the outcome of such studies has also enabled the Commission to come up with various regulatory interventions and initiatives to continuously provide a level-playing field for the interplay of market forces. These procedures are emplaced by the Commission to ensure fair, efficient, and sustainable competition in the Nigerian telecom industry,” Akinloye said.

Despite the Commission’s substantial progress, she added that major developments and activity in some market areas of the industry had compelled the execution of another competition analysis following the successful completion of the 2013 research. For example, the CIS market category was still in its infancy when the 2013 study was done, and as a result, little emphasis was placed on it. “However, the CIS segment has experienced substantial expansion and transition over the years, with over 80 licensees working in the category, and its performance and activities continue to have a significant impact on other segments of the Nigerian industry,” says the report.  The Director PCEA also informed that activities in the CIS market have also attained the targets set out in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025)”.

The study’s overall objective, according to Akinloye, is to provide current insights into the level of competition in the CIS market segment, as well as articulate strategies to enhance market opportunities and ensure the deepening of competition, which will ultimately support the provision of innovative services for the benefit of both market players and consumers at large. The forum, according to Akinloye, allows stakeholders to learn about the study’s purpose, scope, and methodology, as well as ensure that the questionnaire or Request for Information (RFI) produced by the consultants assess the amount of competition in the market is thoroughly understood.

Bako Wakil, NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, requested full cooperation from licensees in the CIS segment of the telecom market whenever consultants approached them for relevant information, either through the RFI or one-on-one sessions with consultants during the study’s implementation. The study, according to Wakil, is in the best interests of CIS licensees, other players, and consumers. It will also give the Commission helpful and evidence-based insights needed to promote healthy competition and a level playing field in the CIS segment, as well as ensure the telecommunications industry’s long-term viability. “Also, rest assured of the confidentiality of any information provided to the Commission in the course of this study, no matter how sensitive,” Bako said to the enthusiastic audience.

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TECHDIGEST – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and PwC Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strategic initiatives with focus on facilitating skills transfer, knowledge and competencies.

It is also aimed at catalysing development and policy dialogues that connect and link the private and public sectors with the start-up ecosystem.

The signing ceremony was held at PwC’s innovation centre, The Experience Centre, in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, UNDP Nigeria’s Resident Representative, Mohamed Yahaya, said the collaboration will promote usage of new technology and data to create innovative solutions to some of the complex development issues facing the continent.

“We all need digital solutions, we need technology, and we need new ways of getting data to assist in finding a way to spot entrepreneurs and young Nigerians in becoming part of the larger developmental agenda.

’’Signing this agreement today is a testament to the commitment between the two organisations,” Yahaya said.

He explained that the UNDP’s choice of PwC was informed by the track record of the company in the area of providing professional services to clients thereby translating into a partnership for sustainable development and professionalism.

The Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNDP Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, said the initiative, which is geared towards achieving the shared objectives of both institutions, would develop the culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and employment creation.

Also speaking, the Regional and Country Senior Partner at PwC, Uyi Akpata, expressed the organisation’s excitement to collaborate with the UNDP to solve Africa’s important problems and drive the development of the continent through creative thinking and technologically-enabled approaches.

“This strategic collaboration with the UNDP is in line with our refreshed global strategy, The New Equation. We in PwC Africa have six focus areas based on this refreshed strategy. I’m excited to note these focus areas speak directly to achieving the SDGs.

’’Most importantly, one of the focus areas is partnering to achieve international development goals. The UNDP is arguably the best partner in this regard. So, signing this MoU is a giant step that adds up to The New Equation.”

Partner and Technology Leader, West market, PwC, Femi Osunubi, described the centre as “the home of disruptive innovation and emerging technologies” as it is a purpose-built space, equipped with interactive digital spaces and a demo lab.

“We are excited to be collaborating with UNDP to solve Africa’s important problems and drive the development of the continent through creative thinking and technology enabled approaches,” he said.

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