The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to continually drive initiatives that accelerate deployment of digital infrastructure in order to enhance the nation’s economic transformation.
Danbatta disclosed the commission’s plan while speaking at the NCC Day, at the recently-concluded 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair, organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA).
Speaking on the theme “Strategising Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness,” in the context of the regulatory activities of the Commission, the EVC, who was represented by a Senior Manager at the Commission, Attah Ogbadu, said the NCC had been at the forefront of providing the digital impetus for transforming the businesses and sustaining socio-economic activities in Nigeria.
The EVC noted that due to the COVID-19-induced economic downturn and continued volatility, many countries were exploring policies to stimulate growth and create new jobs.
He explained: “Information Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the fastest-growing industries because it triggers the creation of millions of jobs and therefore an enabler of innovation and socio-economic development.”
Danbatta also pointed out that while COVID-19 pandemic came with its attendant challenges, the Commission has continued to work assiduously with various stakeholders to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for delivering their services to the consumers.
He maintained that apart from accelerating digital infrastructure, NCC was also paying attention to ensuring a level-playing ground for operators to promote investment and the delivery of innovative services to individual consumers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and big business owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experience.
On the commission’s consumer protection agenda, the EVC said: “So, as a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers, on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud and otherwise ensure you do not fall victims to cybercrimes while using the internet, legitimately.”
Speaking at the NCC Day forum, the President of KADCCIMA, Suleiman Aliyu, commended the commission for its regular and impactful attendance and participation at the trade fair.
Aliyu, who was represented by an official of the Chamber, Farouk Sulaiman, noted the NCC’s commitment to improving network coverage and consumer-centric initiatives, which are increasingly impacting job creation, the emergence of new services and industries, workforce transformation, and business innovation.
On the theme for the event, Aliyu said the theme was chosen to complement the efforts of the government in promoting economic growth, stressing that the critical impact of the communications sector on the nation’s economic output is evident in its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
