The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, has charged the board and management of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on the need to re-double their collaborative efforts with the Ministry and its various agencies in the implementation of government’s policies aimed at developing the telecommunications sector.
The minister, who gave the charge on Monday during the formal inauguration and administration of oath of office on Prof. Mansur Bindawa, as a non-executive commissioner on the Board of the commission, said that Bindawa’s journey into the Commission followed the laid-down laws establishing the Commission.
He said: “The inauguration of Prof. Bindawa into the NCC board is in fulfilment of the requirements of Nigerian Communication Act (NCA), 2003, which stipulates that the Board of Commissioners of NCC shall constitute of three executive commissioners and six non-executives commissioners, selected based on proven integrity and diversity in their expertise in different professional spheres.”
Pantami, who congratulated the new board member and described his appointment as well deserved, charged him to cooperate with other Board members of the Commission for effective regulatory operations that will benefit the Commission’s staff, stakeholders and the Nigerian economy at large.
Speaking at the forum, the NCC’s Governing Board Chairman, Prof. Adeolu Akande, who led Bindawa and other board members of the Commission to the Minister, commended the government and the Minister for “fortifying the Commission with intellectuals ready to work together for the advancement of the technological ecosystem.”
Akande said: “Bindawa is the fourth professor on the board of the NCC and his professional experience and expertise will further strengthen the Board.
“The profile of Professor Bindawa has preceded him as a distinguished humanist, and we believe that his presence will be of immense benefit to the Commission. We look forward enthusiastically to leveraging the wealth of experience and support Prof. Bindawa is bringing on board in consolidating our achievements, the board chairman added.
In his remarks, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Danbatta, commended the Minister for his interest in policy implementation and for preserving the autonomy of the commission’s board and management to discharge their functions effectively as a regulatory institution.
He assured the new board member of a work atmosphere characterised by cordiality and friendship where regulatory issues of national interest are resolved through intellectually-engaging deliberations for the progress of the Commission and the nation.
In his post-inauguration comments, Bindawa thanked the government for the opportunity given to him to serve the nation through the NCC and pledged to cooperate with other board members and the management and also contribute to the efforts aimed at enabling the commission to fulfill its mandate.
