Prof.Umar Garba Danbatta,EVC,NCC.
By correspondent in Abuja.
The Executive Vice Chairman, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof.Umar Garba Danbatta, has advocated a harmonized taxation in telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
He made the call at the “NCC DAY” during the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organized by the Anuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Abuja Trade & Convention Centre.
According to Danbatta, such development became necessary to strike a delicate balance between revenue generation and industry growth.
He said:” Sustainable financing in telecommunication involves sourcing the necessary capital to build and maintain robust telecommunications networks. As regulators, we understand that this financing should be stable, accessible and conducive for industry growth.
“Taxation,while essential for funding of Government initiatives_ must strike a delicate balance between revenue generation and industry growth.
“Our role as regulator is to advocate for fair taxation practices that do not stifle innovation or place undue burden on consumers.
“We acknowledge the intricacies of tax policies but emphasize the importance of creating an environment where telecommunications companies can thrive.”
He told the audience at the occasion that to address these challenges, the Commission had continuously engage the Federal and State Governments on the need to harmonize taxation in the telecommunications sector.
Prof. Danbatta described the 2023 edition of the Trade Fair, with the theme – ‘Sustainable Financing and Taxation’, as very apt and timely, especially considering the pivotal role the telecommunications industry play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the globe.
He recalled that over
the years, the NCC had continued to be a strategic partner to the Commerce, Mines and Industry, adding that the Commission had leveraged the Trade Fair platform to engage telecoms consumers and business owners, based in various regions of the country.
According to the NCC boss, partnering with ACCI,through NCC Day event is a pleasure for the Commission, noting that the event usually provides a veritable platform for interaction with telecoms stakeholders, especially esteemed telecoms consumers.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is delighted to be part of the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
“Over the years, the NCC has continued to be a strategic partner to the Commerce, Mines and Industry, as the Commission leverages the Trade Fair platform to engage telecoms consumers and business owners, who are based in various regions of the country.
The Commission, he said, recognized the fact that telecommunications sector had been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, adding that as such, it continued to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially through technology.
In this regard, Danbatta disclosed that telecommunications continued to empower individuals, connects businesses, strengthen industries and enable governments to provide essential services efficiently thereby driving development and prosperity.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
