ATCON Warns Of Multiple Taxes, RoW Issues, And Vandalism Hindering Telecom Sector

ATCON Warns Of Multiple Taxes, RoW Issues, And Vandalism Hindering Telecom Sector

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has issued a warning regarding ongoing challenges that threaten the growth and sustainability of the telecom industry…READ MORE…

The association identified several major obstacles, including excessive taxation, Right of Way (RoW) obstacles, and infrastructure vandalism, as significant hindrances to the sector’s advancement.

During ATCON’s 31st-anniversary celebration in Lagos over the weekend, President Mr. Tony Emoekpere emphasized the urgent need to address these concerns, highlighting their critical role in Nigeria’s digital transformation initiatives.

Mr. Emoekpere outlined the following challenges:

• The telecom sector faces burdensome and overlapping taxes imposed by federal, state, and local governments, which create an unfriendly business environment that deters investment and innovation.
• Lengthy and costly procedures for obtaining RoW permissions delay infrastructure development, affecting broadband rollout and network improvements.
• Regular attacks on vital assets, such as fiber cables and base stations, result in financial losses, service disruptions, and detrimental effects on both operators and consumers.

To overcome these issues, Emoekpere advocated for collaborative efforts among government entities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. He proposed:

• Harmonized Taxation Policies: To eliminate redundancies and attract more investments.
• Streamlined Right-of-Way Approvals: To expedite infrastructure deployment.
• Enhanced Security Measures: To protect telecom infrastructure from vandalism.

“These challenges necessitate immediate attention and collective action. Only through united efforts can we foster an environment where telecommunications can flourish and play a significant role in Nigeria’s economy,” stated Emoekpere.

He also highlighted the vast potential of emerging technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), which offer unprecedented opportunities for the sector. However, he cautioned that foundational challenges must be addressed to fully leverage their advantages.

“The Nigerian telecom industry stands at a crucial juncture. We must tackle these systemic issues to unlock the full potential of telecommunications and propel Nigeria into a leading digital economy in Africa,” Emoekpere concluded.

According to him, the ongoing development of the telecom sector is vital not just for the industry but also for the broader objective of establishing Nigeria as a digital leader on the continent.

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