Tinubu pledges to adopt global best practices in telecom sector

President Bola Tinubu has assured that his administration is open to learning from successful models around the world, emphasizing that he is not ashamed to adopt strategies that work in other countries.

Speaking at a meeting with an Airtel delegation led by its Chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu stated that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector will undergo a regulatory review to align with global best practices while ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure.

“I am grateful for your openness, readiness, and confidence, which brought us closer to the Prime Minister of India. When he was here, we had extensive discussions. The entire ecosystem will be further examined, and if there is anything we can copy from India, we are ready to do so. We are prepared to learn. We are not ashamed of copying what is working in other climes,” Tinubu said in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

He assured investors that ongoing tax reforms would create a more favorable business environment. “We will find a way to work with tax administrators to ensure that whatever we do, it encourages growth and opportunities. We are ready to make that happen,” he added.

Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, commended the President for his consistent support of the telecom industry. He noted that Tinubu’s approval for the protection of fiber optic and undersea cables as critical national assets would further stimulate industry growth. He also confirmed that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has begun enforcing the new policy.

Airtel Chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, praised Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, likening Nigeria’s current situation to India’s transformation in 1991.

“When you took office, you made some promises. Given the country’s situation, I was unsure how far you could go. I am reminded of 1991 when India was struggling. Our government took similar reforms to what you are implementing now, and it marked the beginning of India’s economic rise,” Mittal said.

He credited the floating of the naira as a remarkable decision, acknowledging its initial depreciation but noting that it is now stabilizing. “Floating the naira from N450 to about N1900 and now bringing it back to N1400–N1500 is a significant achievement recognized worldwide,” he stated.

Mittal also lauded the removal of the petrol subsidy, describing it as a difficult yet necessary decision. “It was unpopular but essential. You have taken a long-term approach, and I believe this will be a turning point in Nigeria’s development. Your first term as President will mark a significant transformation for the country,” he concluded.