Executive vice-chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, has assured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
Maida made this pledge during a recent special reception event organized by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in his honour.
Speaking at the event, the EVC acknowledged the industry’s challenges but emphasized the Commission’s dedication to finding solutions. “I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you,” he said. “I understand the challenges you face in the industry, and I want to assure you that we, at the Commission and the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy are taking them very seriously. We are working diligently to develop the right policies that ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital sector.”
He highlighted the telecommunication industry’s significant contribution to the Nigerian economy, stating, “The telecommunications industry is a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, currently at 14%. But, we believe we can push it even further, aiming for a 25% contribution. The President himself recognizes the critical role digital infrastructure plays in our nation’s future.”
The EVC also underscored the importance of striking a balance between the interests of the industry and consumers. “As regulators, we understand we have a responsibility to both the industry and the consumers,” he explained. “It is about finding the right balance so everyone gets a fair deal.”
Maida concluded his remarks by expressing his appreciation for the industry’s collaboration and commitment. “Let’s continue these frank and candid conversations in a respectful manner, fostering a true partnership that leads to a better future for the Nigerian telecom industry,” he said.
The event brought together key players in the Nigerian telecommunications sector to celebrate the industry’s achievements and discuss future opportunities. The EVC’s remarks highlighted the importance of collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders in driving the continued growth and development of the Nigerian telecommunications sector.
Earlier, ATCON members took their turns to welcome the EVC. Specifically, Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, president of ATCON thanked the EVC for demonstrating an open-door leadership policy that has enabled the players to get closer to the Commission.
He expressed confidence in the EVC’s leadership style to tackle multifaceted challenges plaguing the industry.
Also speaking, Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), said, “The changes being made in this sector are instrumental for fundamental changes in the country. We have a lot of challenges, however, the new highway is digital. We need a collective approach to tackle our challenges and we trust in your regulatory competencies (as being celebrated across Africa and beyond) to face these challenges for the betterment of our economy.
Biodun Omoniyi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of VDT Communications, said:
“Truly, there are challenges across the country, but ours is peculiar. However, with the EVC at the helm of affairs, we are ready to work with you to achieve your visions for this sector. Collaboration is key.”
Commenting, Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, Managing Director, TECNO Mobile, said the company was happy to be in the country to impact the lives of Nigerians.
“We will continue to provide affordable devices and in the quality that is required of us. TECNO has been recognised by the NCC as one of the most compliant OEMs in the country. We couldn’t have attained that if not for the support from the NCC and the industry advocacy group – ATCON.
In the words of Nihinlola Fafore, a senior account manager at Huawei Nigeria, “It is a great honour to be here and to witness the active engagements of the EVC with ATCON and the all operators. Huawei has been in the country for 25 years. We are always ready to cooperate with the regulator to attain the country’s digital transformation goals.
“The year has been tough for everyone, but Huawei has fate in the country and will continue to support the EVC’s vision to lead the industry to a greater height”.
Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty [Nigeria], also commented thus:
“The EVC’s engagements with the telecoms sector have been fruitful. So, it is not out of place to formally welcome the EVC to the industry. We look forward to more engagements for fruitful results in the industry.
Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, an Equinix company, said that ATCON has been actively involved in the agenda towards moving Nigeria forward and the telecoms sector in particular.
“Under your administration, we will look at strategies and outcomes that will benefit Nigerians”, she said.
Lekan Balogun, NetAccess System, said the gathering was rich as it has those contributing to the nation’s transformation in attendance.
“Recently, I was speaking to a group of young people who are building applications and they depend on connectivity [provided by the telecoms sector] to leapfrog their solutions.
“EVC you have a golden opportunity to transform our nation, as a lot of people are currently dependent on connectivity to work from home and make their contributions to the nation’s growth”.
Mr. John Nwachukwu, the Chief Executive Officer of Zoracom said that the NCC has been a productive agency of the government that has delivered well on its mandate.
“So, we are happy to have you [EVC] pilot the affairs of this Commission at this point of our nation’s growth”.
Mohammed Rudman, the Chief Executive Officer of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria [IXPN], also described the EVC as “a silent achiever.
“We are optimistic about your leadership prowess to pilot the industry towards a sustainable future. I only play that you give listening ears to the captains of the industry who are always here to support you”.
Source: https://thesun.ng/ncc-boss-pledges-more-collaboration-for-telecom-sustainability/