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By Merit Ibe
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has remarked that the recently approved 50 percent hike in telecoms tariff may offer relief for the operators and place additional strain on consumers, particularly those in lower-income brackets and businesses.
The Chamber also viewed that stakeholders and businesses deserve better services from the operators and more robust regulation from the government.
Director General of the chamber, Chinyere Almona explained that in the quest for a one trillion-dollar economy, the country needs more investments in critical infrastructure to drive the much-needed digital revolution for growth and development, adding that a robust digital infrastructure will support innovation across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Looking beyond the hike, Almona emphasised the need for operators and regulators to settle down into delivering quality services to drive operational cost efficiency for businesses and support the automation of government services.
The chamber contended that “telecom services have become a critical part of our lifestyle and business; however, the telcos must remain competitive to deliver the best quality of services to businesses that can leverage technology to save some costs.”
It argued that In Nigeria, the current operating environment in the telecommunications sector has become too expensive for the telcos to operate profitably, noting that factors such as rising energy costs, the increasing price of network equipment, inflation, and currency depreciation have placed a heavy financial burden on the operators. Telecom providers have resorted to increasing tariffs to mitigate the rising cost.”
The chamber further reiterated its call for limitation in human interface in the conduct of regulatory services like licensing of products, obtaining necessary permits, issuance of certifications, and port operations.
“ These activities can be automated for cost-effectiveness for businesses and better efficiency on the part of the government. The emerging innovative landscape in food production, surveillance technology for security, citizens’ social engagement, and the exploits of artificial intelligence will all depend on a robust digital ecosystem that is comparable with advanced economies.”
The LCCI boss pointed out that a significant item for inclusion in the rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP is the activities in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
“ This sector recorded resilient growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and has also led other sectors in the post-pandemic recovery and stability. This reality should then attract more government attention and funding for the digital and creative industry.
“Businesses look to our digital infrastructure to support their operations and cost optimization.
To remain competitive and continue to provide quality service, telecom operators must overcome significant challenges.”
She noted that Nigeria’s digital economy must be empowered to catalyze economic growth and drive innovation and possibilities, calling for continuous engagement with critical stakeholders to create a win-win scenario
