By Ralph Christopher
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has promised to continue to pursue a robust partnership with the media to accomplish the commission’s goals and objectives.
The Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said he would continue on that path in order to boost the aim of the commission which is to build the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and telecom in particular for the greater good of Nigerians.
Speaking at a virtual meeting with online partners of the commission on Wednesday, August 12, Danbatta, who was represented by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, said with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the New National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), the NCC Strategic Management Plan (2020-2024), and creation of the Digital Economy Department all underscore the policy direction of the federal government, which the NCC is set to drive.
He said NCC would be working with the supervising ministry and other relevant industry stakeholders to extend the frontiers of the digital economy for Nigerians.
He urged the media to continue to support the commission in the area of enlightening the general public on the various consumer-centric regulatory initiatives of the commission.
He said: “As our online media partners, I urge you to constantly visit the NCC’s official website (www.ncc.gov.ng), which is a repository of information and necessary latest statistics on the performance of the telecommunications industry.
“We also urge you to always contact the Commission for necessary clarifications to ensure accurate and adequate reporting of the industry, as the NCC runs an Open House to our media stakeholders.
“We call on your support and continued collaboration in reporting our activities and initiatives for the good of every Nigerian and for the growth of the telecom industry, your role is indeed very critical.
“On our part, we are committed to working with you as much as we can and within the budget that we have available.
“The Commission has as one of its strategic tenets, deliberate partnership and collaboration with our various stakeholders.
“We see you as a major part of our success and will like to appreciate your contributions, timely and accurate dissemination of news and information regarding our regulatory activities as a telecoms industry regulator.
“There is no doubt that journalism and the way we report and disseminate news have changed in fundamental ways by virtue of technology.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has also drastically changed the way we communicate and interact with digital platforms becoming the norm for carrying out official and personal activities.
“This virtual meeting today is a testament to this new normal.
“The digital media environment has brought about new opportunities and challenges for online journalists.
“One of the many benefits of what you do as an online journalist is the real-time dissemination of information and the immediacy it involves”.
