Nov.9, 2023

…Will ensure Nigerian telecoms space is competitive

The Nigeria Communications Commission has reiterated its commitment at ensuring that the Nigerian telecommunications space is competitive, and that individuals, businesses- from the small startups to the multinational corporations have equal access to connectivity which it believes is not a luxury but a necessity.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of the NCC stated this on Wednesday at the NCC Day, during the 2023, Lagos International Trade Fair, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to the EVC, who was represented by Reuben Muoka, Director Public Affairs, the Commission has continuously put in place a number of measures to ensure seamless access by Nigerians to telecommunications services. “With these, the competitiveness of the Nigerian economy is being deepened with more businesses and industries becoming digitally compliant”.

“Creating value in the telecommunications sector is not just about providing faster and more reliable connections; it’s about fostering an environment of fair competition, innovation, and inclusivity.

“This means that we must encourage investment in infrastructure, stimulate research and development, and protect consumers’ interests. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our businesses, boost productivity, and ultimately create a more prosperous society”.

Maida noted that the Commission is working assiduously with various stakeholders including the consumers, to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for delivering their services to the consumer.

“As a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud or avoid consumer falling victims of cybercrime antics while in their legitimate use of the Internet.

The EVC commended the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani for putting forward a Strategic Agenda for the period of 2023-2027 with a vision to reimagine the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as the public sector ecosystem that enables Nigeria’s economic growth through enhanced productivity, facilitated by technological innovation.

He noted that, in keying into the vision of the minister is pursuing the target of boosting Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70% by the end of 2025, while also targeting that coverage is provided to at least 80% of the country’s population, especially the underserved and unserved populations by the end of 2027.

“Partnering with LCCI through our Special “NCC Day” event is a pleasure for us at the Commission, as it usually provides a veritable platform for interaction with telecoms stakeholders, especially our esteemed telecoms consumers.

“The theme of this year’s trade fair: ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’ is very apt and timely, especially considering that it aligns suitably with the strategic direction of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy.

“We have seen the transformative power of digital connections during recent
challenges, where businesses relied on telecommunications to adapt and survive.

“As the telecommunications regulator in Nigeria, we recognise that the
telecommunications industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth,
fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the globe.

“Without any doubt, the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government. We bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the sector by leveraging telecommunications infrastructure to empower individuals, connects businesses, strengthen industries and enable Governments to provide essential services efficiently thereby driving development and prosperity.

“Providing an enabling environment for the deployment of critical digital
infrastructure is tied to the Infrastructure Pillar of the Minister’s vision for the Digital Economy.

“We believe that by so doing, we would guarantee improved access to quality broadband connectivity and increased economic activity in the digital space”, Maida added.