The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, has hailed the recent licensing of new infracos by the commission, describing it is a key step to ensuring the deployment of infrastructure for the telecommunications sector.

Speaking at a panel session of the International Institute of Communications (IIC) And Regional, Telecommunications and Media Forum in Singapore, Danbatta noted that the Commission had to develop innovative solutions to fast-track infrastructure deployment with a view to deepening the nation’s broadband penetration.

The board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had recently issued two additional Infrastructure Company (Infraco) licences to Zinox Technology Limited for Southeast, and Brinks Integrated Solutions Limited for Northeast making the total number of Infracos licenced so far to four.

The NCC boss, therefore, called for the development of human capital which is in tune with the dynamism of the industry to achieve the desired balanced regulatory intervention.

“Regulators must consider the idea of having in-house Research & Development units that reach out and collaborate with researchers, academia in order to align and be abreast of technological innovations and trends,” he explained.

Also, in a paper titled Building Institutional Capacity and Human Capital: How A Regulator Builds Capacity That Fits For Purpose In A Rapidly Moving Environment, Danbatta told the gathering that the NCC would continue to ensure that its institutional structure remains pliable enough to tackle emerging technologies and exigencies of the telecommunications sector.

He said the commission’s performance has attracted the recognition of numerous reputable institutions both locally and internationally, especially in the last two years.

“In 2017, the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, Nigeria reviewed the commission’s structure, processes and work culture, scored it a platinum category and recommended it as a model for other public institutions in the country to emulate,” he added.