ALTON praises NCC boss Danbatta for effective regulation as new revenue assurance regime begins

The chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has expressed admiration for the exceptional leadership of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Telescope.ng reports that in a statement issued by Reuben Muoka, director of public affairs, Adebayo also commended the NCC for its commitment to quality regulation, attributing the success of the telecom industry in Nigeria to the conducive regulatory environment it enjoys.

During a meeting with mobile network operators held at the NCC’s office in Lagos to discuss the implementation of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS) in the telecommunications industry, Adebayo praised Danbatta’s outstanding administrative skills.

He challenged the misconception that engineers are not good administrators, stating that Danbatta is an excellent administrator who has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the industry.

In his address to the audience, Danbatta provided details about the implementation of the ERAS project.

He highlighted the collaboration between the NCC and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), stating that the ERAS project is being carried out through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement following the DFDDOT model (Design, Finance, Develop, Deploy, Operate, and Transfer) recommended by the ICRC.

Danbatta acknowledged the efforts of the NCC in turning the dream of the ERAS project, conceived in 2007, into a reality.

He emphasized that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s directive to enhance revenue collection and prevent leakages within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). By deploying the Revenue Assurance Solution, the NCC aims to optimize the revenue payable by licensed telecommunications service providers, thus boosting revenue generation for the government.

Originally focused on telecom operators, the ERAS project underwent a significant expansion.

Following a presidential approval in June 2022, the NCC was directed to broaden the project’s scope to include the activities of stakeholders in the digital economy. Consequently, the project was renamed the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS).

The implementation of the ERAS demonstrates the NCC’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and financial efficiency in the Nigerian telecom and digital services sectors. Through the utilization of accurate data and information, the ERAS aims to eliminate incorrect computations, faulty data, and information leakages.

The commendation from the ALTON Chairman and the ongoing efforts of the NCC under Danbatta’s leadership highlight the commitment to creating a favourable regulatory environment that promotes innovation and sustainable development in the telecom industry.

As the implementation of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution progresses, stakeholders within the telecom and digital services sectors eagerly anticipate its positive impact on revenue generation and the overall growth of the Nigerian economy.