The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has asked the federal government to make permanent its suspension of the five per cent excise duty charge on telecom facilities.

The Executive Secretary of ATCON, Ajibola Olude, gave the commendation in an interview in Abuja, saying 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 stays 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,” Mr Olude said.

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

“We are pleased about it, it shows that the 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 in the government and policy makers. It is a first step in the right direction,” he added.

(NAN)