The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has realised over N1.4 trillion in the first quarter of 2016.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, revealed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State at the Government House, Kano. He stated that the funds generated was part of their contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
”Multiple taxation, coupled with obstruction of right of way for development in states of the federation have been identified as the major challenge militating against the growth and development of telecom service providers in the country.”
Danbatta urged Governor Ganduje to mobilise his counterparts in the 19 northern states to fashion out modalities for a downward review of the multiple taxes imposed on telecommunication companies in Nigeria.
He stated that his mission in Kano, among others, is to draw the attention of the state government to the resolution of the National Economic Council (NEC) on multiple taxation, levies and charges on ICT infrastructure in Nigeria to which all state governors accented to, which calls for urgent downward review.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Government has already commenced the full implementation of the provisions of these recommendations, which has become the model which other states can adopt.
Danbatta emphasised that the resolution had ample provisions for addressing the challenges of multiple taxation and levies, including obstacles to right of way which the NCC observed that most agencies of state governments are either unaware of have failed to implement the provisions of NEC documents in their scheme of planning, implementation and service delivery.
He said about 40 million have been denied access to service delivery by operators due to their formation which has made it difficult for service providers to deliver excellent and efficient services to their numerous subscribers.
Danbatta noted that the realisation of these objectives will depend largely on the level of support and partnership that we are able to establish with critical stakeholders, like state governors in achieving the set objectives.
