By Toyosi Olajide
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to driving initiatives that would accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made this known at the NCC Day during the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair, organized by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) held recently.
Senior Manager of NCC, Attah Ogbadu who represented Danbatta at the event while speaking on the theme ‘Strategizing Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness’, in the context of the regulatory activities of the commission said the NCC had been at the heart of providing the digital drive for transforming the businesses and sustain socio-economic activities in Nigeria.
Also, Danbatta stated that due to the COVID-19-induced economic downturn and continued volatility, many countries are exploring policies to stimulate growth and create new jobs. In his words, “Information Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the fastest-growing industries because it triggers the creation of millions of jobs and therefore an enabler of innovation and socio-economic development.”
He asserted that while the COVID-19 pandemic came with its attendant challenges, the Commission didn’t stop working assiduously with various stakeholders to understand how more businesses could embrace digital platforms for delivering their services to the consumers.
He explained further that apart from accelerating digital infrastructure, NCC would also pay attention to ensuring a level-playing ground for operators to promote investment and the delivery of innovative services to individual consumers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and big business owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experience.
“So, as a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers, on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud and otherwise ensure you do not fall victims to cybercrimes while using the internet, legitimately,” Danbatta said.
Similarly, the President of KADCCIMA, Suleiman Aliyu, who was represented by an official of the Chamber, Farouk Sulaiman, commended NCC for its regular and impactful attendance and participation at the trade fair. He also placed on record NCC’s commitment to improving network coverage and consumer-centric initiatives, which are increasingly impacting job creation, the emergence of new services and industries, workforce transformation, and business innovation.
For the theme of the event, Aliyu said the theme was chosen to complement the efforts of the government in promoting economic growth. He asserted that the critical impact of the communications sector on the nation’s economic output is evident in its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
