The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Wednesday said the existence of competition in the telecoms sector has stimulated the growth of the sector over the years.
The commission said it would sustain the momentum by formulating policies periodically to meet the market dynamism, growth changes, innovation and efficiency in the sector.
Its Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Josephine Amuwa, made this known at the opening of a stakeholders’ forum on the Study of the Level of Competition in the Telecoms Sector in Lagos.
She said: “In recognition of this fact, the Commission periodically conducts studies to assess the level of competition in the industry in line with its mandate of creating an enabling environment for competition amongst operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country.
Regulatory Policy on Telecoms National Roaming Underway, says NCC
“The overall objective of the study is to provide current insight into the level of competition in the telecoms market and articulate strategies/recommendations to enhance opportunities in the market and to ensure the deepening of competition resulting in the provision of innovative services to consumers.”
She recalled that the Commission, in the exercise of its regulatory functions as provided for under the Nigerian Communication Act (NCA), 2003, engaged the consulting firm KPMG Professional Services to conduct a Study on the Assessment of the Level of Competition in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry in 2013.
The outcome of that assessment, she said, resulted in the definition of relevant market segments and a determination of dominance in some of those market segments.
She said following the success of the 2013 determination and activities in the telecoms industry since then, it became necessary to conduct another assessment of the competition in the market. “As such, the Commission has engaged the services of Messer’s CT Worx. Limited to conduct a study on the Level of Competition in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry, using the 2013 as baseline year,” she said.
