The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed network providers to remit 2.5 percent of their income as an annual operating levy (AOL) to assist with effective administration.
While insisting the companies must make the payment, the NCC agreed to ensure the development of a sound regulatory framework for the sector by putting into consideration the various issues that representatives of the companies raised at a public enquiry on the AOL that the commission hosted in Abuja.
Eugene Juwah, Director-General of the NCC, said the new AOL regulations are meant to bring about the creation and provision of an effective and efficient administration of the regime.
He added that it will also remove ambiguity that currently exists with the current AOL and other tariffs being paid by the telecoms companies.
“The commission is certain that these regulations will provide the guiding standards and principles for a dynamic AOL administration regime in the Nigerian telecommunication industry and representing another effort by the commission towards ensuring that the standards in the industry reflects international best practices while taking into consideration our local circumstances, ” the NCC head said.
At the forum, all the telecoms companies operating in Nigeria were represented. They include Airtel, MTN, Etisalat, Visafone and Glo. They complained about several issues including the high interconnectivity costs.
