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  • NCC records 50,000 cases of vandalism in Nigeria in 5 years

    NCC records 50,000 cases of vandalism in Nigeria in 5 years

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has recorded fifty thousand cases vandalism of telecommunication infrastructure and facilities in parts of Nigeria in the last five years.

    The commission’s Vice Chairman, Umar Danbatta, said this at 2022 Youth, Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit, held in Abuja.

    He noted that these acts of destruction cause poor telecom services such as dropped calls and other poor services being witnessed by consumers in the country.

    Dambatta noted that the implications of these incidents are huge as they could be felt in the quality of telecommunications services in the country.

    He said the increased incidents had continued to affect the quality of experience of consumers and called for concerted efforts by members of the public and security agencies to stem the tide.

    Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, Corporate Communication Unit, Nnena Ukoha, said, “The negative impacts of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment, evidenced in fibre cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices, have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of their hard-earned services.”

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    “The impact of vandalism of infrastructure is felt by all in the quality of services rendered, as it results in increasing drop calls, data and internet connectivity disruptions, aborted and undelivered short messaging services as well as countless failed calls.”

    Danbatta further said it was necessary to consider that the ability to connect and communicate was fundamental to human existence, improvement in business processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking.

    He added that to enjoy seamless connections, every member of the community should get involved in protecting the critical infrastructure that made these services possible.

    “As a community, you are expected to report cases of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agencies such as the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and also share adequate information received from the NCC with your family, friends, and neighbour,” he said.

  • NCC raises alarm over destruction of telecom facilities

    NCC raises alarm over destruction of telecom facilities

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that over 50,000 cases of major destruction of telecom infrastructure and facilities have been reported across the country in the past five years, raising alarm over the implication of these incidents to the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta made the disclosure at the 2022 edition of Youth Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit (YCSSS), which took place midweek at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    Danbatta expressed worry over how the incidents have continued to affect the Quality of Experience (QoE) of consumers and called for concerted efforts by the members of the public, and security agencies to stem the tide.

    Danbatta, who spoke through the Head, Corporate Communication Unit of the Commission, Mrs Nnena Ukoha, said the negative impacts of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment, evidenced in fibre cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices, have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of their hard-earned services.

    “The impact of vandalism of infrastructure is felt by all in the quality of services rendered, as it results in increasing drop calls, data and Internet connectivity disruptions, aborted and undelivered short messaging services (SMS), as well as countless failed calls,” Danbatta said.

    The NCC‘s Chief Executive Officer said that considering the well-known fact that the ability to connect and communicate is fundamental to human existence, improvement in businesses processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking through seamless connections, every community should get involved in protecting the critical infrastructure that makes these services possible.

    “Therefore, as a community, you are expected to report cases of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and also share adequate information received from NCC with your family, friends, and neighbours.

    “We believe, with your cooperation as critical stakeholders in the telecoms sector, we can all work with the law enforcement authorities in protecting telecom infrastructure in your community”, Danbatta stated to emphasise the role of the communities in protecting critical national assets.

  • Over 50,000 telecom infrastructure destruction reported in 5 years

    Over 50,000 telecom infrastructure destruction reported in 5 years

    Over 50,000 cases of major destruction to telecom infrastructure and facilities have been reported across the country in the past five years, raising alarm over the implication of these incidents to the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

    Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, who disclosed this at the 2022 edition of Youth Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit (YCSSS), which took place midweek at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja, expressed worry over how the incidents have continued to affect the Quality of Experience, (QoE), of consumers, and called for concerted efforts by the members of the public, and security agencies, to stem the tide.

    Danbatta, who spoke through the Head, Corporate Communication Unit of the Commission, Mrs. Nnena Ukoha, said the negative impacts of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment, evidenced in fibre cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices, have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of their hard-earned services.

    “The impact of  vandalism of infrastructure is felt by all in the quality of services rendered, as it results in increasing drop calls, data and Internet connectivity disruptions, aborted and undelivered short messaging services (SMS), as well as countless failed calls”, he said.

    The NCC‘s Chief Executive Officer said that, considering the well-known fact that the ability to connect and communicate is fundamental to human existence, improvement in businesses processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking through seamless connections, every community should get involved in protecting the critical infrastructure that makes these services possible.

    “Therefore, as a community, you are expected to report cases of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and also share adequate information received from NCC with your family, friends, and neighbours.

    “We believe, with your cooperation as critical stakeholders in the telecoms sector, we can all work with the law enforcement authorities in protecting telecom infrastructure in your community”, Danbatta stated to emphasise the role of the communities in protecting critical national assets.

  • Telecom: NCC issues new ITR for implementation

    Telecom: NCC issues new ITR for implementation

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has issued an amended Determination of Mobile (Voice) International Termination Rate (ITR), for implementation in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.

    NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Muoka, who made this known in a statement, on Thursday in Abuja, said the implementation would be effective from Thursday.

    Mouka said that the ITR for voice services paid for terminating international calls on local networks in Nigeria was now set at $0.10, from the old rate of $0.045.

    “Under the amended determination, the international carrier market has been classified into Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), International Carriers and Small.

    “Others are Nigerian Transit Carriers and International Data Access (IDA) Operators, to ensure a level-playing field that recognises the unique disposition and characteristics of genuine market participants,” he said.

    Mouka added that the Nigerian Transit Carriers/IDA Operators shall terminate inbound international calls in the network of domestic operators at a discount of 21 per cent on the US$0.10.

    He said that in determining the ITR, the commission had carefully considered information and insights provided by stakeholders at different meetings and fora.

    Mouka said this reviewed the previous rate and the industry’s operating environment, which was in addition to the cost model results, the state of competition in the sector and the Nigerian macroeconomic environment.

    According to him, the commission reiterates that the process of arriving at the ITR was conducted transparently with a view to providing maximum clarity to all parties without compromising the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information.

    Mouka said: “It expressed confidence that the new ITR, the outcome of the various engagements, will make a significant contribution to the development of the Nigerian telecoms sector.

    “It will also be beneficial to subscribers, operators, and the country at large.

    “The Mobile Termination Rates of N3.90 for Generic 2G/3G/4G Operators, N4.70 for new entrants – Long Term Evolution (LTE).

    “Small Operators determined in 2018 will continue to apply for local call terminations until the commission makes a new determination.”

  • MTN leads the way to a 5G world – By Okoh Aihe

    MTN leads the way to a 5G world – By Okoh Aihe

    The 5G technology is a big pie, a really big pie. Every country in the world wants to have a hand in it, especially those who have gone beyond the scramble for the daily grind of life. Some are front runners, doing their stuff on the fast lane. A whole lot are pretenders trying to break into the league of the big boys. But it is a league that brooks no pretences, a league that must be joined with demonstrable credentials, where execution of the rollout plan is the only certificate that guarantees valid entrance, at least, for those in the last mile end of the business.

    But the big boys, from the more developed countries of the world, are not always very free minded in admitting members into the league. So, they set all kinds of hurdles, not frontally any way but in a very subtle way, surrounding where and how an operator has to acquire equipment, to ensure they are not laced with espionage facilities. You know the world must be protected from itself but they hide their real intentions that the real fight is over who controls the technology, which really will become the strong global policeman of the future. Any country who controls 5G technology will in no time control the world.

    The 5G technology is a big pie which comes at a huge cost but the returns are even more frightening. 2020 GSMA Intelligence report – The Mobile Economy, projects that by 2034, the technology will contribute $2.2 trillion to the global economy. Something really huge and still booting, eh? Little surprise then that three companies in India are shelling out $19bn for Air wave or spectrum sales with Ambani’s Reliance Jio doling out $11bn of that amount, just to broach the 5G ecosystem. The other two are Bharti Airtel and Vodafone IDEA. Several billions will also be ploughed into the rollout phase which should happen as early as September this year. 5G is a game for the big boys who are ready to roll the dice without thinking of the consequences of the cost.

    Countries are railing against countries just to control 5G technology in terms of equipment vending and service rollout, while corporates are outbidding each other in order to have some good control of some attractive economies. But the technology will come at a cost that may only serve the interest of some data nerds.

    It is therefore heart warming that MTN Nigeria, has led the country to join this exclusive list of the big boys of the telecommunications industry when, last week, it rolled out 5G pilot services in three locations of the country, namely: Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

    Quite effusive about the development, the service provider said, “Today (August 24, 2022), MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria, or the Company) kicked off an open 5G pilot in the lead-up to its highly anticipated commercial launch.  The Company, which intends to launch 5G services in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri, is testing the next-generation network infrastructure. Customers with certain enabled devices will be allowed to connect with and try out the new service where coverage is available.”

    The caveat however is that the service can only be received by some devices that are 5G enabled, and this was duly communicated. “To access the 5G network and enjoy its benefits, customers will need compatible devices, such as routers and mobile phones, which can be pre-ordered from designated MTN walk-in stores and online via the MTN Nigeria website and e-marketplace. The pre-ordered devices can be picked up or will be delivered to customers post the launch event scheduled to take place in the coming weeks,” MTN said in the statement.

    The game is on and before mid September the real deal will be unveiled to a nation that should have been fighting for a place at the top of the ladder but for the bungling attitude of the political class that has become an albatross. They make us look small in the eyes of the world.

    Nobody needs to be reminded that what is happening is truly epochal and some kind of piercing light in the thick of darkness where hopelessness has form and shape, you know, the way they describe matter in elementary science. The feat fires a can-do spirit which is one of the raw characteristics of the average Nigerian irrespective of the environment.

    Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, captured unfolding developments in the following words, cresting on 5G as the ultimate clincher. “Every major technological evolution redefines what is possible – changing the way we live and the way we connect. MTN Nigeria has been at the forefront of every leap in telecommunications: from GSM to 2G, 3G, and 4G. 5G has the potential to change everything. It will allow us to connect, create, collaborate, and compete in ways we’ve not even begun to imagine,”  she enthused.

    MTN Nigeria emerged one of the two  winners of the 3.5GHz spectrum auction conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on December 13, last year. The other winner is Mafab Communications. 3.5GHz is the spectrum band for 5G technology. The auction picked at $273.6m per license.

    The licensees were given an August deadline to rollout services but all other rollout obligations were clearly stated in the Information Memorandum released before the auction. So, it will be factual to state here that every bidder, including Airtel, which listed an exit bid of $270m, didn’t go into the playing field with eyes blindfolded or arms tied behind. It was an open book which remains a regulatory strength of the Commission.

    From industry sources, it seems that MTN is ready to exceed expectations as per the rollout obligations which state as follows: Year 1 to 2 – Starting from the effective date of the licence. Rollout service in at least one State in each geo-political zone: SW, SS, SE, NC (Including FCT), NW and NE. From Year 3 to 5, additional 6 States other than those in Year 1 to 2, across the six geo-political zones, while from Year 6 to 10, Operators are encouraged to roll out across all other States.

    While one can call the rollout demands quite humble, it is clear to see that MTN is primed to meet all that and then position to cream off the high end of the business with an initial entry level of about 220 5G sites. As it was in the past, so it will always be. When the dust settles MTN will be far in front while others shout helplessly about monopoly practices.

    This writer can confirm that Mafab has been given a grace period within which to rollout services. Industry sources however also confirm that the licensee is in frantic search for investors to enable it to fulfil its license obligations. My sympathies are for Mafab. This administration has completely ruined the nation’s economy to the extentent that nobody will want to put serious money in an environment that looks seemingly hostile and failing fast.

    Funding a 5G operation is no child’s play. Operators in India are planning to invest between $15bn and $25bn each to cover the country’s market. Even for a nation, such money will be a challenge when you look at the antecedents of this government.

    Now our initial fears on this column are being justified, and this should be a regulatory lesson. The allegory of a David and Goliath doesn’t belong here. Such a humongous license shouldn’t be given to a rookie struggling for limelight. India has demonstrated this by awarding 5G licenses mainly to existing and established operators who are able to pay the license fees and rollout services immediately.

    Whatever it is, we stand with Mafab in its struggles. The organisation should be given time to rollout and not be troubled by any regulatory stipulations. After all, the 5G technology will be one of the few landmarks that this administration can point to as an achievement, and should not ruin it with its inability to read the future from a troubled present.

    For the time being, this government should be sincere enough to express gratitude to MTN for providing some tech grains it can point to in the future as a legacy.

  • 95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030 promising – Pantami

    95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030 promising – Pantami

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, at the weekend in Gombe, said Nigeria’s march towards attaining 95 per cent digital literacy in 2030, as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020 – 2030, now looks more promising than ever.

    Pantami, who presided over the graduation of participants at a two-week Digital Job Creation Training for the North-East in Gombe, which was facilitated by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, said “the reason we train citizens is because digital skills are no longer considered a luxury, but necessities required in any business you do. If you want to be successful, you need to have digital skills.’’

    According to the Minister, “ICT is not just an independent sector but the key enabler of all other sectors today. It enables opportunities in education, in health, in agriculture, in security, in defence, in manufacturing, in trade, in investment and in industry.”

    He, therefore, urged the participants to adopt innovation-driven enterprises and to utilize the training they have received to improve their economic status and make Nigeria a better place.

    “We have to utilise ICT in order to make our country a better place. We must use ICT even for our personal economic benefits amongst others. Therefore, we want to encourage you not to waste your times online but rather to use the knowledge you have acquired to make Nigeria a better place and at the same time, derive many economic benefits from it,” he said.

    The Minister highlighted that recent reports of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, about the performance of each sector of the economy, which indicated an unprecedented ICT’s contribution of 18.44 per cent to the economy, as very heart-warming about the prospects of the industry meeting with the expectations of the relevant policies.

    “So, by implications, we set a record last year and we surpassed that record this second quarter of 2022 without involving the digital services. Only the ICT sector contributed 18.44 per cent, which can be attributed to the policies which we have introduced in the sector,” he said.

    He said the training which has taken place in nine other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, will be conducted throughout the remaining geopolitical zones.

    The Digital Job Creation Training is a two-week programme targeted at youth desirous of developing and enhancing their ICT skills in order to promote and enhance growth in the yet untapped and commercially viable digital economy both locally and globally. Each participant at the training received starter packs comprising laptop with accessories, MiFi Modem with three months data subscription, and some money.

  • Danbatta urges Nigerians to protect telecoms infrastructure

    Danbatta urges Nigerians to protect telecoms infrastructure

    The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC)of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta says Nigerians have a duty to protect telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

    Danbatta said any vandalism made by individuals affects the quality of telecommunications services from service providers.

    He made this known at the 2022 edition of Youth, Civil Society and Stakeholders summit on Thursday in Abuja.

    The summit was on curbing the disruption and vandalism of telecoms, power, oil and gas, marine, railway, education, health and other critical infrastructure in Nigeria during elections.

    The EVC, who was represented by Head, Corporate Communications, NCC, Nnnenna Ukaoha, called for collective action by the youth and community leaders to safeguard critical infrastructure from possible attacks.

    He said this would sustain investors’ confidence and economic growth, adding that communication and connectivity were enablers to all sectors of life.

    ‘‘Communication and connectivity are now rights to every citizen and when you disrupt infrastructure, you are disrupting quality of experience and quality of service.

    “What we are saying to Nigerians is to take ownership of infrastructure protection, because, if you vandalise it, it will affect quality of your life, business and everything.

    ‘‘It can even go to reduce poverty in our society, especially with young people.

    “With internet connectivity, your computer can do so many things and turn your life around within seconds.

    “Please take ownership of communication of infrastructure within your environment so that your life will improve, it will help cub poverty in rural and urban centres,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, said the force had engaged in series of trainings and execution of strategies to curb incidence of infrastructure vandalism in the country.

    Baba, who was represented by Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), in charge of Counter-Terrorism Unit, Mr Iwo Nemi, called for citizens’ cooperation to tackle the menace.

    ‘The I-G said: ‘We have a role to play, first we engage in pre-during and after election.

    “We have been making efforts to ensure peace. We need information, technology and support of the media to make sure we protect the critical national infrastructure.

    ‘‘Security is not for police alone, we need information from people to be able to work effectively. If you see something, say something.

    “Policing is for everybody and it is local. Those who vandalise the critical infrastructure are our brothers and sister.”

    Baba urged Nigerians to help the police with relevant information and “let us work on them.

    ‘‘We had series of seminars and workshops where police officers were trained on election management.

    “We have done it in Ondo, Ekiti and Osun and we are ready to improve on whatever success we have recorded,” he said.

    Earlier, the Director-General for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, Mr Emmanuel Johnny said the roundtable was organised to mobilise stakeholders to create synergy.

    Johnny, who was also the convener of the summit said the program was towards the protection of critical national infrastructure against vandalism, particularly during the forthcoming elections.

    He urged politicians to set their priorities right and ensure they do not sponsor the youth to spoil critical infrastructure.

    “Having observed that numerous infrastructure put in place by Federal Government in harnessing the resources of our nation and in attaining economic growth and development.

    “We as patriotic Nigerians, feel it is our civic responsibility to mobilise stakeholders and CSOs to see how we can synergise towards the protection of this critical national infrastructure against vandalism and destruction, particularly during these coming elections.

    ‘‘We are advising politicians to set their priority very right and do not disrupt infrastructure, focus on their campaign, not to sponsor the youth to spoil critical infrastructure during elections.

    ‘‘From here, we are moving zone by zone, state by state to create synergy with traditional and youth leaders.

    “We are calling on people to report any vandalisation in their area,” he said.

    Jonny called on the National Assembly to create National Infrastructure Trust Fund, to help government raise funds with support from companies to protect and maintain these infrastructure.

    He also called for the establishment of a commission to look after the National Critical Infrastructure.

    “We feel government alone cannot do this without the support of the private sector, ”he added.

  • 5G mobile network goes live in Nigeria across 190 locations

    5G mobile network goes live in Nigeria across 190 locations

    Fifth-Generation (5G) mobile network has gone live at 190 locations across Nigeria, with MTN becoming the first telecommunications provider in the country to launch the much anticipated mobile network in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the 190 locations that have gone live with 5G service are mainly in Lagos State, the commercial hub of Nigeria, and Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

    Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had set the target of August for the roll out of 5G mobile network in the country after MTN and Mafab Communications won the bid for the deployment.

    While Mafab had been granted a grace period of 5 months to deploy, MTN has said it’s 5G service would be live at over 500 sites across the country by October.

    Already, MTN has started selling a 5G broadband router for its customers to be able to access the network as there are currently limited devices that can connect with the 5G network.

    “Yes today we turned on the 5G spectrum and kicked off our 5G pilot. 20,000 customers with enabled devices can now try out our next-generation network where coverage is available. 2G brought us SMS and picture messaging. 3G was about mobile internet access. 4G made streaming and sharing a part of everyday life.

    “5G delivers the future and it’s here – higher internet speeds, downloads without delay, near-instant connection when streaming, using apps, loading websites, playing games, or connecting to smart home devices,” Modupe Kadri, CFO, MTN Nigeria stated on LinkedIn.

    TNG reports the MTN 5G network is live in select locations in Anambra, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, and Lagos States, including the FCT.

    Some users have reported internet speeds of up to 1.4g per second on the 5G network, according to BusinessDay sources.

    With the launch by MTN, Nigeria has joined South Africa and Kenya in the race to 5G on the African continent.

    South Africa began its 5G network journey in March through MTN and Vodacom while Kenya started the deployment of 5G through Safaricom in April.

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    According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), around 70 countries had 5G networks as of June 2022, up from just 38 in mid-2020. It stated that approximately 15 more have had 5G mobile technology deployed in part.

    TNG reports that a vital advantage of 5G is the number of use cases it will enable and the emerging technologies it will facilitate.

    This rides on its ability to provide wireless broadband services at Gigabit speeds and data connections well above 10 Gigabits per second, latency below five milliseconds and the capability to exploit any available wireless resource, from Wi-Fi to 4G and to handle millions of connected devices simultaneously

    5G technology will support the development of new applications which will connect devices and allow innovative applications and business models due to its software virtualization abilities.

    The NCC in the National Policy document on 5G Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy had identified a number of use cases of 5G technology.

    These include enhancements in application areas such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Drones, Advanced Communication Systems, Cloud, 3D Printing, Mixed Reality, Simulation/Imaging and Gamification.

    “These application areas will impact and create new improvements in areas such as Manufacturing, Transportation, Public Services, Health and Social Works, Agriculture, Energy, Logistics, Media and Entertainment, Mining and Quarrying, Machinery and Equipment, Automotive, Education, Information and Communication, Urban Infrastructure, Consumer experience, Sports, Semiconductor Technologies, etc,” the document reads in part.

    To drive the revolution, NCC is under the mandate to encourage stakeholders to provide innovative solutions and partner with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other relevant agencies to facilitate the adoption of these technologies.

    TNG reports the Commission is also under the mandate to collaborate with relevant agencies of government to support MSMEs and provide suitable enabling environments that foster innovation and creativity.

    The Commission will also continue to collaborate with the academia and research institutions to fund research proposals that encourage the development of innovative solutions based on 5G.

  • Pantami applauds ICT’s 17.92% contributions to GDP

    Pantami applauds ICT’s 17.92% contributions to GDP

    Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has applauded consistent growth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which hit 17.92 per cent in the last quarter of 2020, and in the first quarter of 2021, and continued on an impressive trajectory.

    The Minister, who gave the figures at the opening of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU’s) – (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) FCDO Roundtable, and Technical Workshop on Building Capabilities for Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Transformation in Nigeria, said this “percentage is unprecedented, and this is only the contribution of ICT to our GDP without calculating digital services”.

    Pantami said digital access and connectivity have become a necessity, as they play an increasingly vital role in our everyday lives and have become key drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

    The Minister assured his audience, including representatives of ITU, FCDO, and other international agencies, embassies, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, that the “Federal Government understands that enormous private sector support, as well as support from international organisations, are essential to enable us to realise our lofty goals for Nigeria’s digital economy and this has informed our decision to partner with key international organisations such as the ITU and FCDO.

    “The digital age is upon us, and all relevant stakeholders must be prepared for the enormous but inevitable change that will occur,” he said.

    The Minister also assured of the Federal Government’s committed to the development of the digital economy, with a promise that “the Nigerian government will ensure that all critical infrastructure is made available for the facilitation of digital connectivity, transformation and ultimately, the realisation of a robust digital economy”.

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Garba Danbatta revealed that the Federal Government’s policies in the communications and digital economy sector are already yielding positive results including a reduction in the access gap, improved digital financial inclusion and a steadily increasing contribution to the GDP.

    He stated that the sector has remained the most resilient in the country while stressing that the Commission recognizes the need to do more in strengthening the telecommunication sector and improving internet penetration.

    “As of the end of 2021, the estimated population of people living in the underserved areas declined from 31.16 million in 2019 to 28.87 million in 2021, and the access gaps reduced from 227 to 114,” he said.

    Danbatta assured that the Commission will not rest on its oars in supporting Internet penetration and improvement of services but prepared to support internet penetrations and digital skills to give concrete expressions to policies and initiatives to close identified gaps.

    “The Commission is quite conscious of the need to do more and considers this Roundtable as another opportunity to gather feedback as well as expert opinions of participants. Therefore, all participants are enjoined to contribute freely and recommend measures that will further support Nigeria in meeting its connectivity target and develop a robust digital economy. We look forward to the outcome of your deliberations and expect feedbacks that will deepen the conversations on policies and initiatives for digital access and connectivity in Nigeria,” the EVC urged participants.

  • Danbatta commends Adedigba over NIM Fellowship

    Danbatta commends Adedigba over NIM Fellowship

    A director of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ismaila Adedigba, has received the commendation of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, over his recent conferment of the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM.

    Adedigba who is the Director of Research Development at the Commission, has for many years been a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and Fellow of the Association of West African Society for Communications and Administration (FSCA).

    Professor Danbatta said the elevation of Adedigba is well deserved, and commended his commitment and dedication to the ideals of his profession as well as a remarkable career progression, exemplified in his pioneering contributions to the growth of the Commission.

    “No doubt, this is well-deserved elevation into the prestigious fellowship of the Institute, which obviously, was based on your unbroken antecedents to dedication in public service. Therefore, all of us at the Commission felicitate with you on the attainment of this prestigious status at NIM,” he said.

    Adedigba’s conferment among other fellows, took place at the latest Awards of Fellows and Spouses’ Day Luncheon which took place at the Muson Centre, Onika, Lagos, and featured the decoration of distinguished individual members of the institute who have contributed to the development of the Institute, management of the profession and the civil society at large.

    With adequate and relevant previous cognate experiences in audit, finance, consultancy and banking inspection, Adedigba joined the services of the Commission on April 3, 1995 as Head of Internal Audit and has risen through the ranks in the departments of Finance; Zonal Administration; Licensing; Business Development; Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF); Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management Department; Consumer Affairs Bureau; and Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department for over two decades before his recent promotion as Director of R&D.

    Adedigba holds an MSc. in Business Administration, and BSc. in accounting, and he is also an Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTIN). Adedigba, as a fellow of NIM, will now be required to be involved actively in all programmes of the Institute through the Faculty of Fellows (FoF), where his core competence and the areas of specialization in his profession would be brought to bear and utilised.