ATCON expresses worries over N15trn telecoms infrastructure gap

ATCON expresses worries over N15trn telecoms infrastructure gap

Concerned by the funding gap of required telecoms infrastructure in Nigeria, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has asked the Nigerian government for further support to bridge the gap.

It has been estimated that the Nigerian telecoms and Information Communication Technology sector is faced with N15 trillion infrastructure deficit.

Ikechukwu Nnamani, the ATCON president made the request on Thursday as he led the National Executive Council (NEC) of the advocacy body on a familiarization visit to the Communications and Digital Economy Complex to formally introduce the newly elected officials of the association to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.

Nnamani called for development of a strategic plan to bridge the over N15 trillion infrastructure funding gap for the telecoms/information communication and technology industry.

Aside bridging the infrastructure funding gap, he also called for the full implementation of the Right-of-Way (RoW) policy, as well as the need to address the issue of multiple taxation and other regulatory challenges in the space.

Dr Pantami in a chat with Engr. Nnamani

“This strategic courtesy visit is put together to demonstrate the respect that we have for you and your office as records are there to show that the development of the sector is highly paramount in your strategic plans”, the ATCON President said.

Engr. Nnamani added that “Challenges that have plagued the industry for a very long time are now being addressed by you and your team. Notable among this is the progress made in the NIN, ROW, NNBP, and digitization of the economy. More recent is the ground-breaking of the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Abuja”.

The ATCON boss further informed the Honourable Minister of the resolution of the NEC to work with the ministry towards sustaining the high performance already being exhibited.

On his part, Dr Pantami appreciated the association for the working visit and notified them that all his doors are wide open to attend to them on all official matters requiring his attention.

The Minister further cautioned the association not to compromise the resolution of the NEC on RoW levy and stated that when any challenges are being encountered, his attention should be immediately called upon for intervention.

Dr. Pantami in a group photograph with ATCON executives