The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has reiterated commitment to the advancement of local content in the country.
He spoke on Tuesday, at the “NCC Special Day” during the 45th Kaduna International trade fair organized by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA)
According to him, the Commission is fully committed to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy.
“We recognize the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth. The NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this is one of the most critical thrust of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. We cannot overemphasize the fact that robust local content value chain will not only create economic opportunities but also contribute to technological advancement, job creation, and skills development within the country.”
He highlighted some laudable efforts of the commission, geared towards promoting indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
“In line with our commitment to supporting local content, the NCC has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector. The Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in our Digital Economy Department and our Research and Development Department, encourages local manufacturing and assembly of telecommunications equipment, promotes local software development, and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth. The Commission has sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy. In 2023, three winners emerged in three critical thematic areas of innovations; Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance; Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.”
He added that the NCC has continued to prioritize consumer protection and empowerment, by ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality telecommunications services and are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities. “We believe that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain.”
The NCC boss challenged stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content.
That “by working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth”
On contribution to the economy, “It may interest you to know that as at Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5% (Source – Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report, November 2023 – A publication of the National Bureau of Statistics)” he added.
Addressing commitment to consumer protection, he noted that the NCC has implemented measures to safeguard the interest of consumers and businesses alike.
“We have established a robust regulatory framework that promotes transparency, quality of service, and fair competition. Additionally, we have set up channels for consumer redress, ensuring that consumers can resolve disputes in a timely and efficient manner. We have also established seamless programs that will Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives such as:
Consumer Education Outreach Programmes; Consumer Complaints Management (CCM); Development of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code; Development of Mobile Number Portability (MNP); The Commission partners with Law Enforcement agencies to protect Telecom Infrastructure; Campaign against Sales & Buying of Pre-registered SIM Cards; Direction on Roll-Over of Data; Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk ; Harmonized Short Codes; Campaign on National Identification Number – Subscriber Identification Module (NIN-SIM) Linkage.