The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, has expressed admiration for the remarkable leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta. Adebayo also commended the NCC’s commitment to quality regulation, attributing the success of the telecom industry in the country to the favourable regulatory environment it enjoys.
During a meeting held at the NCC’s office in Lagos, focusing on the implementation of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS) in the telecommunications industry, Adebayo praised Danbatta’s exceptional administrative skills, challenging the notion that engineers are not good administrators. He described Danbatta as an excellent administrator and highlighted his instrumental role in the growth and development of the industry.
In his address to the audience, Danbatta provided insights into the ERAS project’s implementation. He emphasized 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 ERAS project, conceived in 2007, into a reality. He also emphasized the project’s alignment with the Federal Government’s directive to enhance revenue collection and prevent leakages within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The implementation of the ERAS aims to optimize the revenue payable by licensed telecommunications service providers, thus bolstering revenue generation for the government. Initially focused on telecom operators, the project underwent significant expansion after a presidential approval in June 2022, broadening its scope to encompass the activities of Digital Economy stakeholders. Consequently, the project was renamed the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS).
The ERAS project showcases the NCC’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and financial efficiency within the Nigerian telecom and digital services sectors. By utilizing accurate data and information, the ERAS aims to eliminate incorrect computations, faulty data, and information leakages.
With the telecom industry playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and facilitating digital transformation, the commendation from the ALTON Chairman and the ongoing efforts of the NCC under Danbatta’s leadership highlight the commitment to creating an enabling regulatory environment that encourages innovation and sustainable development.
Stakeholders within the telecom and digital services sectors eagerly anticipate the positive impact of the ongoing implementation of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution on revenue generation and the overall growth of the Nigerian economy.
