The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported a substantial surge in telecom investment in Nigeria, with the figure soaring from $38 billion to $77 billion during the second quarter of 2023. This significant development was disclosed by Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, during a media engagement with industry stakeholders in Kano.
Prof. Umar highlighted that the telecom sector made a noteworthy contribution of 16 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within this period. According to Danbatta, these statistics were computed by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics.
He remarked, “Since my assumption of office as the EVC of NCC in 2015, when the sector’s contribution to GDP stood at approximately eight percent, we have witnessed substantial quarterly GDP growth, now reaching an impressive 16 percent. This growth has had a positive ripple effect across the entire economy.”
The head of the NCC attributed this remarkable achievement to the consistent and effective regulatory oversight provided by the commission.
He further emphasized that over the past two decades, the industry had undergone substantial expansion and transformation, marked by remarkable growth, elevated regulatory standards, and noteworthy digital innovations that gained international recognition.
During the mentioned timeframe, Nigeria boasted 218.9 million telephone users, 159.5 million internet subscribers, and 88.7 million broadband users. However, Prof. Danbatta acknowledged several challenges hindering the broadband expansion, including right-of-way issues, fiber optic cable damage, substantial capital requirements for deployment, multiple taxations, and regulatory complexities.
Nevertheless, he assured that the NCC was committed to addressing these challenges, including regulatory intricacies, the digital divide, and literacy issues.
Read Also: Bolt Nigeria Now Offers 10% Commission to its Drivers
Nigeria’s Emergency Communication Centers Set to Expand
In addition to these developments, Professor Danbatta unveiled plans to establish emergency communication centers in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These centers will facilitate communication between individuals in distress and emergency response agencies nationwide.
He also revealed an increase in research grants to universities, raising the amount from N20 million to N30 million, with three undisclosed universities already benefiting from this expanded support.
“The NCC, as a regulator, understands that telecom is a catalyst for the country’s economic advancement. We have consistently ensured the availability of affordable and accessible telecom services to overcome various barriers,” Prof. Umar emphasized.
Recognizing the challenges posed by deliberate infrastructure damage and numerous taxes imposed on telecom companies (41 different tax categories), Prof. Umar reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to open communication with stakeholders in the media industry.
Read Also: TikTok Hit with $379 Million EU Fine for Child Data Breach
NCC Engages Media Industry Stakeholders
This commitment to open communication stems from principles of transparency and accountability. By maintaining open channels of communication, the NCC aims to provide clear insights into its actions and decisions, thereby fostering trust among the public and media organizations—an essential factor in the telecommunications industry.
Furthermore, keeping the public well-informed is a top priority. The NCC recognizes that disseminating information about regulatory changes, policies, and industry developments empowers individuals to make informed choices regarding their communication services—an imperative consideration in an era where connectivity is integral to daily life.
Additionally, open communication serves as a valuable feedback mechanism. Engaging with media stakeholders and the public allows the NCC to gather input, suggestions, and concerns from various sources. This feedback loop is invaluable, enabling the commission to make more informed and responsive decisions aligned with the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders.
In the dynamic telecommunications landscape, challenges are inevitable. These issues can have far-reaching consequences, whether it’s the destruction of critical infrastructure or the burden of excessive taxes. By upholding open communication, the NCC can swiftly address these challenges, garnering support and understanding from stakeholders and the public.
Ultimately, open communication acts as a catalyst for innovation. Sharing information about the NCC’s activities and regulatory objectives can inspire creativity and forward-thinking within the telecommunications industry. Telecom companies and other stakeholders can plan their investments more effectively with a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape and the industry’s direction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the strategy of open communication benefits not only the telecommunications industry and its participants but also the nation as a whole.
Follow techkudi.com for more
