The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, says the National Assembly is a critical stakeholder of the NCC, even as the Commission seeks greater partnership with the legislators in dealing with challenges facing the sector.

The Executive vice chairman of the commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, said this at the Senate Committee on Communications retreat on Improving the socio-economic development of the nation through qualitative telecommunication services.

The EVC who was represented by Spiff Inatimi, Head Legislative and Government Relations, NCC, in his welcome address said,  “the retreat is meant to share information about the delicate balance existing between functions of the regulator and stakeholders, including the legislators.

“Very important interest which the regulator has considered in the course of achieving effective regulation for the benefit of all, is in creating an enabling environment for growth, but, issues and challenges will arise, hence this retreat gives us further opportunity to seek your cooperation in carrying out our mandate as an independent regulator of the telecommunication industry. We shall remain, fair, firm and forthright always,” Danbatta added.

Speaking in an interview with journalists, the Deputy Chairman, Senate committee on communication,  Ademola Adeleke said that the retreat is for the regulator and the legislators of the sector to compare notes on how to move the industry forward, since ICT is an enabler of socio-economic development of the country.

On the NCA, 2003 Adeleke believes that for greater improvement in the ICT sector, there’s the need to upgrade the Act since, ” communication itself is about growth as it affects all sectors of the economy. ”

Corroborating on the need for upgrade of the Act,  Abiodun Olujimi, member of the Senate committee on communication added that when the Act was established most of the things happening now within the Nigerian ICT space were not envisaged.  “We didn’t believe that we would have 21 per cent broadband penetration, or 140 million active lines.  Definitely with such rise in data and development, there’s need for us to look at the Act again, especially as it affects cybercrime”.

“These are issues that came up with deeper penetration of broadband,  ICT and communication. The Act should be reviewed so that we can ensure that the ability of people to commit crimes through ICT is curbed and communication is made better, “she said.