NCC assures Nigerians 70% broadband penetration by end of 2023
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians to meet it’s target of 70% broadband penetration at the end of the year. This was stated by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr Amimu Maida’s speech at the Lagos International Trade Fair yesterday.
The Vice Chairman examined the theme of the 2023 trade fair: ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’, stating that it is very apt and timely, especially considering that it aligns suitably with the strategic direction of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy.
He explained, ‘Our Honorable Minister has put forward a Strategic Agenda for the period of 2023 to 2027 with a vision to reimagine the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as the public sector ecosystem that enables Nigeria’s economic growth through enhanced productivity, facilitated by technological innovation.’
He explained that at the heart of this Strategic Agenda are five pillars which include Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Capital, Trade and Knowledge. ‘All of these pillars are interconnected with each other and form the bedrock of the delivery of the Honorable Minister’s vision’, he said.
‘We have seen the transformative power of digital connections during recent challenges, where businesses relied on telecommunications to adapt and survive. Hence, the Commission believes that in our connected world, connectivity is not a luxury but it is a necessity, It is our duty at the Commission to ensure that everyone’s business, from the small startups to the digital highway, regardless of the locatiions, has equal access keying into the vision of the Honorable Minister of Commerce. It is in this light and in Digital Economy that the NCC is Pursuing the target of boosting broadbands penetration rate to 70%’ at the end of the year’ he said.
Dr Amimu enumerated that the telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government. He stated that they bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability and vitality of the sector by leveraging telecommunications infrastructure to empower individuals, connects businesses, strengthen industries and enable Governments to provide essential services efficiently, thereby driving development and prosperity.
According to him, Providing an enabling environment for the deployment of critical digital infrastructure is tied to the Infrastructure Pillar of the Honorable Minister’s vision for the Digital Economy. He stated, ‘We believe that by so doing, we would guarantee improved access to quality broadband connectivity and increased economic activity in the digital space.
‘Creating value in the telecommunications sector is not just about providing faster and more reliable connections; it’s about fostering an environment of fair competition, innovation, and inclusivity. This means that we must encourage investment in infrastructure, stimulate research and development, and protect consumers’ interests. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our businesses, boost productivity, and ultimately create a more prosperous society.’
As regards the commission’s Our regulatory approach, Dr Amimu explained that it is designed to address the ever evolving landscape of technology. As 5G, IoT, and other innovations become integral to business operations, he emphasized their proactiveness in adapting policies to support the integration and protect the interests of all stakeholders.
Dr Amimu further expressed, ‘The Honorable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has identified nine priority policy, regulatory and strategic initiatives for review and implementation to create an effective policy environment where businesses and innovators are empowered to grow.
‘These nine priority policy, regulatory and strategic initiatives include: the Nigerian National Broadband Plan, the National Policy on Digital Public Infrastructure, the National Policy on Telecommunications, the National Blockchain Policy, the National Digital Economy Bull, the Nigeria Startup Act, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the National Data Strategy and the National Digital Literacy Framework.
‘The Commission is working assiduously with various stakeholders and the consumers, to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for deivering their services to the consumer. As to regulators, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers on how to be protected to prevent cases of fraud or avoid consumer falling victims of cybercrime antics while in their legitimate use of the Internet.’ be assured.
In his keynote speech, the President Lagos Chamber for Commerce and Industry LCCI Asiwaju Dr The President LCCI reiterated the THEME FOR THE ANNUAL FAIR: ‘CONNECTING BUSINESSES, CREATING VALUE’. He expressed that theTHEME UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS AND NETWORKING AMONG BUSINESSES FOR WEALTH CREATION, TRADE PARTNERSHIPS, AND PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH. He said, ‘THE THEME ALSO UNDERSCORES THE VALUE OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PRODUCERS, SERVICE PROVIDERS AND END-USERS.
The President highlighted the enormous impact of the commission in regulating the telecommunications industry. He also appraised their innovative and collaborative efforts in ensuring a digital economy for Nigeria.
