With the telecommunications regulator blaming mobile operators for the failure to implement Mobile Number Portability in 2012, Airtel Nigeria has challenged the Nigerian Communications Commission to fast-track the implementation of Mobile Number Portability, saying this move will promote healthy competition amongst operators and also improve the Quality of Service (QoS) in the industry.

Speaking at the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria's (ATCON) Telecoms Executives and Regulator's Forum in Lagos, Airtel's Director of Regulatory Affairs & Special Projects, Osondu Nwokoro said "Airtel is in full support of the urgent implementation of MNP.

We commend the NCC for their efforts thus far and encourage them to push harder for the implementation of the Project. It is our belief that the implementation of MNP will address quality of service issues and also help to put an end to anti-competitive practices in the industry," he said.

He added that, the initiative will benefit telecoms consumers as well as drive operators to improve service delivery.

Nwokoro who was represented at the event by Adeyemi Shola, Airtel's Head of Licensing and Compliance stated that Airtel is currently working with relevant Stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the MNP.

"Right now, the MNP test run is about to commence and Airtel is very prepared for this phase of the Project. We are also working harmoniously with the Interconnect Clearing House and other operators to ensure that the Project commences as scheduled as having too many implementation delays is not in the interest of the industry," he said.