Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, has disclosed that the Commission was instrumental to lifting Nigeria out of recession in 2020.
He made the disclosure while speaking at the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content EXPO (NTICE 2023).
He said it was made possible as the telecoms sector contributed 12.45 per cent to the GDP in Q4 of 2020, under the supervision of the NCC as the regulatory body.
“It is not out of place to mention that the sector’s performance was instrumental to lifting Nigeria out of recession with 12.45 per cent contribution to the GDP in Q4 2020,” he said.
Danbatta also said the Commission has continued to be a major player in the economy as the sector increased its contribution to the GDP to 14.13 per cent as at Q1 2023.
The NTICE 2023 was recently held in Lagos, with the theme, “Harnessing Indigenous Content for Economic Growth; Networking to Boost Investment”.
Danbatta, in his welcome address at the two-day event, declared that the telecoms sector is among the biggest contributors to the socio-economic growth of the country.
He said the contribution of NCC to the national economy, as the regulator of the telecoms sector, was evidenced by the numerous achievements of the sector.
He also said the sector is home to two of the most valuable listed companies in Nigeria with a collective market capitalisation in excess of 10.45 trillion.
Danbatta recalled that the Commission generated revenue in excess of USD$820m for the country in 2021 and 2022.
The revenue, he said, was from the auction and grant of 3.5GHz spectrum band licences to three operators to boost the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) services in Nigeria.
“This placed Nigeria on the global 5G map ahead of many countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East,” he added.
Danbatta also noted that the Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in telecommunications services in the country have continued to improve.
He added that tariffs have remained stable, notwithstanding the increase in cost-of-service provision to the telecom operators.
He however said some measures must be emplaced in order to sustain and further improve Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in telecommunications services.
“We must embrace indigenous content and value creation within the telecoms value chain. Otherwise, increase in telecoms tariff will be inevitable,” he added.
Danbatta restated the commitment of NCC to the drive of the Federal Government to place the Nigerian economy on a sustainable pedestal through all the necessary policies put in place.
On the essence of the NTICE, he said it is the only telecom event in the country solely focused on the promotion, development and adaptation of indigenous content.
“NTICE is not only an exhibition but it is also a gathering of industry players that embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, collaboration, and progress.
“It presents a remarkable opportunity to celebrate and showcase Nigeria’s achievements in the world of telecommunications, technology, as well as indigenous content creation and adoption,” he added.
The NCC EVC/CEO called on stakeholders to recognise the transformative power of domestic innovation and the pivotal role it plays in shaping digital future of nations and their economies.
He further stated that the NTICE 2023 “is a declaration of Nigeria’s commitment to shaping its digital destiny.
“As we navigate this dynamic landscape, let us remember that our progress is intrinsically linked to our ability to harness the power of indigenous innovation, leverage technology for positive change, and ensure that no one is left behind on this transformative journey.
“Let’s embrace NTICE as a symbol of our collective potential, a platform to celebrate our achievements, and a driving force to propel Nigeria towards a brighter, more digitally empowered future.”
