The Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to promoting local content development across the value chains of the nation’s telecommunications industry with the attendant positive implications of increasing the sector’s contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product growth rate in the years ahead.
The telecom industry regulatory commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, made this remark in his speech delivered at the “NCC Special Day ” on February 27 at the ongoing 45th edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair organized by Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), held in Kaduna State.
He described the theme of this year’s trade fair as particularly significant as the theme ‘Sustaining Economic Recovery through Deepening Local Content Value Chain’ as auspicious as it aligns with the principles and objectives of the NCC on the promotion of local content development in the telecoms industry.
Maida said: “NCC is an Independent National Regulatory Authority that oversees Telecommunication Services in Nigeria. Our vision at NCC is to create a dynamic regulatory environment that ensures universal access to affordable and equitable service and supports the nation’s economic growth. As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.
“The Commission is fully committed to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy. We recognize the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth. The NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this is one of the most critical thrust of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. We cannot overemphasize the fact that robust local content value chain will not only create economic opportunities but also contribute to technological advancement, job creation, and skills development within the country.
“In line with our commitment to supporting local content, the NCC has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector. The Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in our Digital Economy Department and our Research and Development Department, encourages local manufacturing and assembly of telecommunications equipment, promotes local software development, and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth”, the EVC added,
According to him, the Commission has sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy, noting that in 2023, three winners emerged in three critical thematic areas of innovations; Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance; Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.
This is even as he pointed out that the NCC had continued to prioritize consumer protection and empowerment, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality telecommunications services and are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities, adding that the commission believes “that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain.”
The EVC expatiated: “As we participate in this trade fair, we urge all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content. By working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth. It may interest you to know that as at Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5% (Source – Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report, November 2023 – A publication of the National Bureau of Statistics).
“Conversely, as we promote economic growth through development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction. We therefore encourage businesses and service providers to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service delivery”, Maida stressed.
On the commission’s commitment to consumer protection, the EVC maintained that NCC had implemented measures to safeguard the interest of consumers and businesses alike.
He enthused: “We have established a robust regulatory framework that promotes transparency, quality of service, and fair competition. Additionally, we have set up channels for consumer redress, ensuring that consumers can resolve disputes in a timely and efficient manner.
“We have also established seamless programs that will Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives such as Consumer Education Outreach Programmes. These programmes include the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), Telecom Town Halls on Radio (TTR), Telecom Consumer Conservation (TCC), Professionals’ Dialogue, Market Square Conversation, Village Square Dialogue, Television (TV) Dialogue, and Trade Fairs such as this one today”, the EVC added.
