September 6, 2022

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), on Tuesday commended Federal Government for suspending the five per cent excise duty charge on telecom facilities.

The Executive Secretary of ATCON, Mr. Ajibola Olude, gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

He said investors would be willing to put more money into the industry.

“For me it is a good development and the Minister should be commended. It is a temporal measure. We hope that it stayed suspended.

“With the announcement, telecommunications operators will have to go back to the status quo.

“The implication is that Investors will be willing to put more money into the industry,”Olude said.

The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo said government’s decision showed its commitment to operators, consumers concerns and broadband penetration.

“We are pleased about it, it showed that government is committed to broadband penetration.

“What it will do, it showed to the investors that the government is sensitive to the concerns of consumers of telecom services.

“And this had further boosted investors’ and consumers’ confidence on the government and policy markers.

“It is a first step in the right direction,” he said.” Adebayo said. (NAN)