The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged telecom operators and regulators to prioritize quality service delivery amid concerns over the recent hike in telecom tariffs.
LCCI’s Director-General, Dr. Chinyere Almona, highlighted the telecommunications sector’s importance in Nigeria’s economy and daily life. She stressed the need for increased investment in critical digital infrastructure to support economic growth and help achieve the government’s goal of a one-trillion-dollar economy.
According to Almona, the recent increase in telecom tariffs has generated mixed reactions. “While this increase may provide financial relief for operators burdened by rising energy costs, inflation, currency depreciation, and the cost of network equipment, it risks placing additional strain on consumers, particularly those in lower-income brackets.”
She pointed out the need for increased investment in critical infrastructure to drive the digital revolution, which is essential for growth and development. Strengthening digital infrastructure, she noted, would foster innovation across all sectors of the Nigerian economy and support the quest for a one-trillion-dollar economy. Addressing the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, Dr. Chinyere advocated for minimizing human interaction in regulatory processes such as product licensing, permit acquisition, certification issuance, and port operations to enhance business cost-effectiveness and government efficiency.
Almona stated the importance of investing in critical digital infrastructure to support Nigeria’s economic growth and achieve the government’s goal of building a one-trillion-dollar economy. She emphasized that such investments would drive the digital revolution and promote innovation across all sectors of the economy.
The LCCI acknowledged the resilience of the information and communications technology sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and called on the government to allocate more resources to Nigeria’s digital and creative industries. Addressing challenges in the telecom sector, the Chamber stressed, is essential for driving economic growth and fostering innovation.
The LCCI stated the importance of addressing challenges in the telecom sector to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and unlock its innovation potential. Resolving these issues is crucial for telecom operators to remain competitive and deliver quality services.
Collaborative efforts with key stakeholders are essential to driving economic growth and fostering innovation, as emphasized by the LCCI, which continues to advocate for balanced solutions that benefit both the industry and consumers.
