FG SETS UP INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CHALLENGES 22-03-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has set up a 5-man Ministerial Committee to review operational conditions and propose fiscal measures to cushion the impact of macroeconomic pressures on telecommunications operators in Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday by the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Kania Maliki Andeyaba, said the Ministerial Committee with a 6-point terms of reference, is set up to address issues faced by telecommunications companies in the process of delivering quality services to end users across the country.
The Minister, according to the statement, said “As a major contributor to our country’s GDP, the telecommunications industry is critical to the development of our nation as it helps to spur innovation and promote digital inclusion among Nigerians.
”It is therefore imperative that we support it in delivering best quality services to the people in a manner that encourages holistic development, and removes growth”, the minister added while speaking on the goal of the Ministerial Committee.
According to the statement The Terms of Reference for the Ministerial Committee, included Review the operational conditions of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria and propose strategic initiatives to cushion the impact of macroeconomic challenges on the operations of the Nigerian telecom industry.
Also, Review fiscal measures with direct or consequential impact on the telecoms industry and propose initiatives that can provide relief to telecoms operators.
Consider and propose incentives to improve backward integration in the telecoms industry with a view to cumulative reductions on dependence on foreign exchange (FX) for the provisioning of telecoms services in Nigeria.
Review shared services and infrastructure arrangements in the industry and proposed incentives and policy direction to improve the competitiveness of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
Review existing local content strategies for the telecoms sector, to realign all local content initiatives and programs with the programs and policies of the current administration.
The committee may co-opt or invite any competent person, firm, or organisation to provide information or make suggestions in line with any of these Terms of Reference.” it said
The statement noted that, the Committee is charged with the responsibility of looking into “all aspects of the industry and isolate the critical challenges faced by it with a view to proffering workable solutions as it aligns with the programmes and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”
The Committee has one month to turn in its report.