The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on telecommunications operators in the country to adopt infrastructure sharing as a means of reducing their operational costs. This recommendation from the regulatory body comes in response to recent calls from industry associations for a cost-reflective pricing model after an 11-year hiatus.
Speaking at the 2nd edition of the West African Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition in Lagos over the weekend, Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, emphasized the potential benefits of partnerships among operators in the telecommunications sector. He highlighted that such collaborations could not only reduce costs but also enhance service delivery.
Mr. Victor Adoga, representing Maida at the event, stressed that short-term solutions like public-private partnerships, infrastructure funds, and innovative financing models such as Infrastructure as a Service could address current challenges faced by operators.
Maida acknowledged Nigeria’s remarkable growth in the telecommunications sector, with over 219 million mobile subscribers and a growing population eager to leverage digital technologies. However, he noted that challenges such as uneven service distribution, infrastructure deficits, and regulatory uncertainties have hindered progress.
In response to these challenges, Maida urged operators to leverage technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to optimize network management, predict maintenance needs, and enhance customer service through automation and advanced analytics.
He also highlighted the importance of developing smart infrastructure to support various smart city applications, including traffic management systems and public safety solutions, as cities become increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced.
The NCC’s call for infrastructure sharing reflects a strategic approach to address the industry’s challenges collaboratively while promoting innovation and efficiency in service delivery.