NCC to Tackle Ant-competitive Practices

THE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has stepped in to prevent the telecoms industry from being heated-up by unfair competitive practices among operators.

The NCC has also pledged to keep a close watch on the activities of the operators particularly as it relates to the issue of competition stressing that it has the mandate to maintain sustainable competition in the industry.

Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ forum on the current level of competition in the industry in Lagos, the executive vice chairman of the Commission, Mr. Eugene Juwah said the incredible growth in access to telecoms facilities as well as investments in the industry since the liberalization of the industry is ample proof of the gains of a competitive market.

According to Juwah, who was represented by a Commission at the NCC, Mrs. Biodu Olujimi forum was meant to address the issues of transparency among the operators in the practice of competition in the industry.

While pledging to deepen competition in the industry, the Commission disclosed that independent consultant; KPMG Professional Services Limited was commissioned to carry out a study on assessment of the current level of competition in the telecoms industry.

Juwah said that had a one-one interface with licensees in the various segments of the telecoms market in the course of the assignment saying that the forum was a further consultation to gather more facts in the regulatory process that is aimed at determining the current level competition in the industry.

According to him, the consultant is expected to ex-ray the telecoms market with the aim of determining regulatory intervention when necessary.

He said that the information, which will be obtained from the operators will help to develop regulatory initiatives to prevent anti-competitive practices saying that it will help to ensure confidence and certainty in all players in the various markets over unfair practices of their competitors.

While pledging that all contributions of all stakeholders will be given due consideration by the consultant as well as the commission, he said that the forum will not be conclusion of the consultation on the study.

Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis at the Commission, Mrs. Lolia Emakpore said that the forum is a proactive strategy of the NCC to prevent anti-competitive behaviour in the industry before it happens.

She said that the market has grown considerably to an extent that will require regulatory intervention that will ensure healthy competition in the industry.

Emakpore disclosed that the NCC has received complain from some persons about what seems to be anti-competitive practices noting that the Commission would investigate such acts.