NCC: We are determined to the advancement, Development of the Industry- Danbatta

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigeria Communications Commission, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, FNSE, FRAES, FAEng, FNIEE has assured Nigerians of his resolution to advancing and developing the industry.

Danbatta made the statement while giving a keynote speech at the “Talk To The Regulator Forum” In Yenagoa Bayelsa State, June 1 & 2, 2023.

According to his words, “It is with great delight that I welcome you all to the first Talk-To-The Regulator Forum for the Year, 2023, holding in the South-South, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

“The Nigeria Communications Commission, in keeping with its mandate, creates opportunities to interact with its licensees on industry issues and new trends via stakeholder fora, with a view to gathering relevant information that would further advance the development of the industry, while improving regulations and service delivery to telecom consumers.

“The TTTR Forum in Yenagoa which was originally scheduled to hold in 2022 but was postponed due to the dreadful flood disaster that hit Bayelsa and some other states in the year. The Commission, therefore, seize this opportunity to commiserate with the people of Bayelsa State and the entire nation on the worst flood disaster recorded in the history of the nation. We pray that such natural disaster shall not plaque our dear nation again, and equally believe that the state has made adequate preparations for any future occurrences.

“You will agree with me that the telecom industry has witnessed milestones in more ways than one, including the rapid growth in technology, which is redefining service delivery, and creating wide and high expectations from all stakeholders. To keep up to date with developments in the industry, the Commission has equally taken measures to improve regulations to accommodate the rapid and continuous development. Some of the interventions and responses of the Commission includes but are not limited to:

“Facilitating the Roll-Out of 5G Service provision.
Introduction of Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Licence to bridge the gap between unserved and underserved areas.

“The Commission is currently reviewing the scope and structure of its existing licenses to make them more robust and to accommodate some of the identified new industry trends.

“In line with the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020 – 2025), the NCC is providing industry leadership to facilitate the achievement of 90% Broadband penetration by year 2025, and well above 50% at the end of 2023. Currently, over a One Hundred and Fifty (I50) million Nigerians have internet access, while over eighty (80) million can access high-speed internet.

“The ‘Talk-To-The Regulator` Forum is a common platform for non-discriminatory interaction on a one-on-one basis, between the Licensees and the Regulator on several industry issues, pertinent to the Licensees and of national interest.

“I am pleased to welcome our Licensees to this event and hopeful that during the 2-Day Session, we would discuss and identify the measures necessary to improve investment and service delivery”, he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management
Nigerian Communications Commission, Adeleke Adewolu Esq pointed out that the program
serves as an educational platform where misconceptions about the Commission and its
processes are explained.

“The Communications Sector has proven to be pivotal to the growth and development
of the national economy. The sector has continually ensured that the digital economy
agenda of the Federal Government is established on solid foundations. It has also
proven to be the catalyst for entrenching the activities of both the public and private
sector in the digital space, seamlessly.
The Communications Sector is indeed the pace-setter sector as far as the expansion of
the frontiers for national development is concerned. This was further underscored by
the recent deployment of the Fifth Generation Technology (5G) services in the Country
which we believe will ensure that Nigeria maximizes the benefit of the 4th Industrial
Revolution whilst being sufficiently prepared for any attendant risk that may occur.

“A market study has shown that the deployment of 5G Technology Services will result in $13.2 trillion in global economic value by 2035, generating 22.3 million jobs in the
5G global value chain alone. Thus, the Commission has played an effective role in
placing the nation at a vantage position in order to reap these benefits

The exponential growth of the telecommunications sector is largely attributable to
effective policies, legal and regulatory framework implemented by the Federal
Government the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“This Forum is thus an opportunity for Critical Stakeholders to share their respective
challenges, experiences, and also suggest viable solutions to the Regulator. Constant
engagement with the Regulator is the path towards regulatory efficiency as it preserves
the integrity of the regulatory instruments issued by the Regulator whilst securing the
buy-in of all Stakeholders.

“Recently, the Commission issued a regulatory framework for the licensing of Mobile
Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria as well as the requisite licence for such services and this has witnessed significant interest from prospective investors. New
Market Entrants in this category can leverage on the growth and infrastructure in the
telecommunications industry and it is particularly attractive to investors due to its low
cost of entry in terms of capital expenditure.

“This forum is therefore an opportunity for Stakeholders to seek clarifications from the
Regulator especially as it relates to understanding regulatory obligations, obligations to
the consumer and their collective responsibility to the sustainability of the industry”, he added.

ECOWAS: Workshop on Planning, Coordination, and Monitoring of the ECOWAS Support Programme to Africa Peace

The European Union’s (EU) support of the African Peace and Security Architecture Program provides a continental framework for the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) to jointly prevent, manage and resolve conflicts in Africa.

The Workshop on Planning, Coordination, and Monitoring of the ECOWAS Support Programme to Africa Peace & Security Architecture (APSA) IV was held from 31 to 02 June 2023, at Park in Hotel by Radisson in Victoria Island, Lagos-Nigeria.

The Objectives of this workshop were to check the progress of the implementation of the project (Planning, Achievements, Challenges, Opportunities) to review the planning of ECOWAS APSA IV 2023 activities and to complete the ECOWAS Monitoring and Evaluation Matrix, to reinforce the ownership of the project by the respective stakeholders, to enhance the coordination and the visibility of the project and To prepare the upcoming Joint Monitoring Mission (JMM).

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Dieudonne Nikiema, Manager of ECOWAS Peace Fund, welcomed the Permanent Representative of ECOWAS to the African Union, His Excellency Francis Oke, the Directors, and the participants from the Directorates present for the workshop.

While speaking, he noted that APSA is an important Programme for ECOWAS, which started in March 2020 and will end in February 2024.

He pointed out that it includes a series of activities involving all the ECOWAS Directorates present for the meeting and the ECOWAS Representative to the African Union. Mr. Nikiema.

However, while concluding his remarks, he indicated that the meeting should be allowed to have the level of achievement required and to see the gaps.

Also speaking, SEM Francis OKE who was the Chairman of the Meeting, in his opening remarks thanked all the participants present and declared that this meeting will allow to get a better understanding of APSA IV.

SEM. Francis OKE indicated that due to the results and activities ongoing, this project needs to be extended.

The meeting was attended by, the Permanent Representative of ECOWAS to the African Union, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, the Manager of ECOWAS Peace Fund, the Director of Strategic Planning, M&E of ECOWAS Commission Representative of the Directorate of political affairs, representatives of ECOWAS Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, representatives of ECOWAS External Relations Directorate, Representatives of ECOWAS Directorate of Early Warning, representatives of ECOWAS Directorate of Procurement, representatives of ECOWAS Directorate of Financial Reporting and Grants.

NCC Boss set for National Productivity Order of Merit Award

That’s great news! The National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award is a prestigious award given to deserving Nigerians who have made significant contributions to productivity and development in various sectors of the economy. The award is usually conferred by the President of Nigeria on behalf of the Federal Government.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has played a crucial role in the development of the Nigerian telecommunications sector. Under his leadership, the NCC has implemented policies and initiatives that have helped to improve access to telecommunications services and promote the growth of the industry.

The NPOM award is a well-deserved recognition of Prof. Danbatta’s contributions to the development of the Nigerian telecommunications sector and to the overall productivity and growth of the country.

The announcement was made in an advertorial signed by the Director General of the National Productivity Center, Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha, heralding Danbatta’s exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the development and advancement of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

The NPOM Award recognises individuals, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields, and Danbatta’s recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to the NCC and the telecommunications sector as a whole.

Yes, that’s correct. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has indeed spearheaded several initiatives that have revolutionized the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria during his tenure at the NCC.

Under his leadership, the NCC has implemented several policies and initiatives aimed at improving access to telecommunications services and promoting the growth of the industry. For instance, he has overseen the licensing of several new broadband service providers, which has helped to increase broadband penetration in the country and improve internet connectivity.

Danbatta has also championed the implementation of the Do Not Disturb (DND) initiative, which allows subscribers to block unsolicited text messages and calls from service providers. This has helped to reduce the incidence of unsolicited text messages and calls, which were a major nuisance to subscribers.

In addition, Danbatta has overseen the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020-2025, which aims to increase broadband penetration in the country to 70% by 2025. This plan has the potential to accelerate the growth of the Nigerian economy and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals.

Overall, Prof. Danbatta’s visionary leadership and strategic decisions have indeed led to remarkable achievements and noteworthy milestones for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

Some of the key accomplishments attributed to Danbatta’s tenure include the promotion of broadband penetration, consumer empowerment and protection, sustainable industry growth, and digital inclusion and innovation, among others.

Under the promotion of broadband penetration, Danbatta’s relentless efforts to enhance broadband connectivity across Nigeria have resulted in substantial improvements in internet access and affordability. This has played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.

In the area of consumer empowerment and protection, Danbatta has prioritized the interests and rights of telecom consumers, implementing consumer-centric policies and initiatives. Notably, the NCC’s Toll-Free Line for Consumer Complaints, introduced under his leadership, has provided an accessible platform for addressing consumer grievances and ensuring their protection.

With respect to sustainable industry growth, under Prof Danbatta’s guidance, the telecommunications sector has witnessed significant investments and healthy competition. His strategic leadership has fueled innovation, resulting in sustainable industry growth and a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy.

Also, recognizing the transformative power of digital technology, Danbatta has championed programmess to promote digital inclusion and empower marginalized communities in his efforts to deepen digital inclusion and innovation. Initiatives such as the NCC’s Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC), formerly known as the School Knowledge Centers (SKCs) and Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) have improved access to digital resources and enhanced emergency response capabilities across the nation.

The conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award on Danbatta serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements and exceptional leadership within the NCC. His contributions have not only positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital landscape but have also positively impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

The NPOM Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates individuals, who have made significant contributions to productivity, innovation, and national development. Danbatta’s well-deserved recognition further solidifies his reputation as a transformative leader and industry trailblazer.

Yes, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta’s contributions to the Nigerian telecommunications industry have undoubtedly been significant and far-reaching, and his leadership has helped to position the industry for continued growth and development.

The conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award is a well-deserved recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to the growth and development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. It is also a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to technological progress and national productivity.

His achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of Nigerians and demonstrate the potential for innovation and progress in the telecommunications industry and other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The entire telecommunications industry and the nation at large have every reason to celebrate Prof. Danbatta’s achievements and extend their heartfelt congratulations on the conferment of the NPOM award.