NCC‘ll continue to accelerate deployment of digital infrastructure– Danbatta

By Emmanuel Adeleke

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has said the commission will continue to drive initiatives that will accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure in order to enhance economic transformation in Nigeria. 

Danbatta stated this at the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair, organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA).

Speaking on the theme ‘Strategising Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness,’  the CEO said NCC has been at the heart of providing digital impetus for transforming businesses and sustaining socio-economic activities in Nigeria.

Danbatta, who was represented by a senior manager at the commission, Attah Ogbadu,  stated that due to the COVID-19 induced economic downturn and continued volatility, many countries are exploring policies to stimulate growth and create new jobs.

He said: “Information Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the fastest-growing industries because it triggers the creation of millions of jobs and therefore an enabler of innovation and socio-economic development.”

The CEO said that amid the pandemic, the commission has continued to work assiduously with various stakeholders to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for quality service delivery.

He noted that aside from accelerating digital infrastructure, NCC is also paying attention to ensuring a level-playing ground for operators to promote investment.

Speaking at the NCC Day forum, the President of KADCCIMA, Suleiman Aliyu, commended NCC for its regular and impactful attendance and participation at the trade fair.

Aliyu, who was represented by an official of the KADCCIMA, Farouk Sulaiman  also commended the commission for improving network coverage and consumer-centric initiatives, which are increasingly impacting job creation, the emergence of new services and industries, workforce transformation, and business innovation.

“The competitiveness of Nigeria would depend on our ability to leverage new technologies in light of the rapid growth of the number of active mobile subscriptions, internet subscribers, and broadband penetration, indices of telecoms sector’s mark as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country,” Aliyu said.