From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has stressed on the transformative power of digital connections, saying that connectivity is not a luxury.
Dr. Maida made the observation at the “NCC Day” during the 2023 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry which was held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on November 8th, 2023.
The theme of this year’s Trade Fair was ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’.
The EVC who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Public Relations of the commission, Mr Reuben Muoka said “We have seen the transformative power of digital connections during recent challenges where businesses relied on telecommunications to adapt and survive. Hence, the Commission believes that in our connected world, connectivity is not a luxury but it is a necessity. It is our duty at the Commission to ensure that every business, from the small startups to the multinational corporations, has equal access to the digital highway, regardless of their size or location. It is in this light and in keying into the vision of the Honorable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy that the NCC is pursuing the target of boosting Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70% by the end of 2025, while also targeting that coverage is provided to at least 80% of the country’s population, especially the underserved and unserved populations by the end of 2027.”
Maida further stated that NCC as a regulator recognized the pivotal role the telecommunications industry plays in driving economic growth. “As the telecommunications regulator in Nigeria, we recognize that the telecommunications industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the globe.”
He commended LCCI while stating that the NCC has continued to be a strategic partner to the Chamber, as the Commission has leveraged the Trade Fair platform to engage telecoms consumers and business owners, who are based in various regions of the country.
Speaking on the theme, Maida said that it was very apt and timely, especially considering that it aligned suitably with the strategic direction of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy. “Our Honorable Minister has put forward a Strategic Agenda for the period of 2023-2027 with a vision to reimagining the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as the public sector ecosystem that enables Nigeria’s economic growth through enhanced productivity, facilitated by technological innovation.
“At the heart of this Strategic Agenda are five pillars which include Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Capital, Trade and Knowledge. All of these pillars are interconnected with each other and form the bedrock of the delivery of the Honorable Minister’s vision,” the EVC stated.
Dr Maida added that without any doubt, the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government. “We bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the sector by leveraging telecommunications infrastructure to empower individuals, connect businesses, strengthen industries and enable governments to provide essential services efficiently, thereby driving development and prosperity.”
He added that providing an enabling environment for the deployment of critical digital infrastructure is tied to the Infrastructure Pillar of the Honorable Minister’s vision for the Digital Economy. “We believe that by so doing, we would guarantee improved access to quality broadband connectivity and increased economic activity in the
digital space. Our regulatory approach is designed to address the ever-evolving landscape of technology. As 5G, IoT, and other innovations become integral to business operations, we are proactive in adapting our policies to support their integration and protect the interests of all stakeholders.
“The Honorable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has identified priority policy, regulatory and strategic initiatives for review and implementation to create an effective policy environment where businesses and innovators are empowered to grow. These priority policies, regulatory and strategic initiatives include: the Nigerian National Broadband Plan, the National Policy on Digital Public Infrastructure, the National Policy on Telecommunications, the National Blockchain Policy, the National Digital Economy Bill, the Nigeria Startup Act, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the National Data Strategy and the National Digital Literacy Framework,” he stated.
He said the Commission is working assiduously with various stakeholders including the consumers to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for delivery of services to the consumer. ‘”As a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud or avoid consumer falling victims of cybercrime antics while in their legitimate use of the Internet.”
Aside Reuben Muoka who represented the EVC were other high powered delegation from the NCC, including Director consumer Affair, Alkasim Umar, Nnena Ukoha, Head, Corporate Commissions, NCC, among others.
The President, LCCI, Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale Cole was the Chief Host.
