…..targets 50% broadband penetration by year-end
The telecommunications sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased significantly to 16% in the second quarter of 2023, according to the data reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who made this disclosure in a keynote address delivered at the annual Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) hosted by the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) on Thursday in Lagos, said the figure was based on the computation by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
According to him, from a 14.13 per cent contribution in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the hitherto 15 per cent all-time-high record contributed in the second quarter of 2022, the telecommunications sector added 16 per cent to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023 to set a new record.
Danbatta, while speaking on the theme “Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations”, took the audience, promising executives of telecom companies and other industry stakeholders, through the giant strides being made by the Commission
From about eight percent contribution to GDP in 2015, when he assumed office , the EVC said that the quarterly GDP had increased significantly to reach its current level and that this had continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.
He clarified: “Through sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission, the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades and this has impacted on all other sectors of the economy. The effective regulatory regime emplaced by the NCC and with the support from all stakeholders has been our major success factor as an industry.”
The EVC pointed out that while there were barriers to broadband deployment in the country, ranging from the issue of right of way (RoW), fibre cuts, high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations and regulations, among other challenges, the NCC is navigating regulatory complexities, digital divide and literacy, security concerns with firmness and increased collaborations with necessary stakeholders such as ATCON to create measures towards tackling the challenges.
On the RoW challenge, the EVC said there are about 46 different taxes directed at the telecom sector at the moment. Such charges and levels, coming in various names, are imposed on telecom operators by some agencies and tiers of government, especially at the state and local levels. Danbatta said the challenge translates into greater economic burdens on telecom subscribers in the country.
Reflecting on connectivity issue, the telecom sector regulator explained that over the years, the commission had identified some clusters of access gaps all over the country but recorded a significant drop in the number of access gaps, as it continued to drive initiatives that boost access to telecommunications services.
Danbatta explained that the Commission achieved this by enlisting government commitment to a digital economy with robust policy frameworks, promotion of investment and funding, stimulation of infrastructure development, digital inclusion and literacy, promotion of competition and market liberalization, effective allocation of spectrum, as well as driving the e-government ecosystem.
He expressed optimism that with various ongoing regulatory efforts, “the NCC is confident that we are going to reach 50 per cent broadband penetration threshold by the end of 2023 and by 2025, we would have met and possibly surpassed the 70 per cent broadband penetration target, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025.”
The EVC particularly commended ATCON and its members for being partners in progress and for constantly engaging the Commission in constructive ways towards finding solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the industry. The EVC said a national broadband network and a thriving digital economy are not without their challenges.
“However, these challenges can be overcome through determination, innovation, and strategic planning. By focusing on the success factors and addressing the barriers, we can create a future where every Nigerian have access to the opportunities that the digital world offers,” he added.
Danbatta also stated that the success of the nation’s digital aspirations is beyond technological advancements but also about transforming lives, driving economic growth, and ensuring that a nation remains competitive on the global stage.
He concluded: “As we work together to navigate this path, I enjoin all our stakeholders in the public and private sectors to remain committed to building a brighter and more connected future for our country.”
Photo Caption
L-R: Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ubale Maska; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, VDT Communications Limited, Biodun Omoniyi; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta and President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, at Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum hosted by ATCON on Thursday in Lagos
