The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC}, has reiterated its commitment to deepening the local content value chain in the telecommunication industry and the overall economic growth of the country.
It also stated that it recognizes its importance as the driver of economic sustainability and growth in the country.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC disclosed this at the recently concluded 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) in Kaduna State.
According to him, the NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for the telecommunications industry to grow, where local content and innovation can also thrive.
He said a robust value chain and local content cannot be over-emphasized in creating economic opportunities that will also contribute to technological advancement, job creation and skills development.
In this regard, he said, the Commission has rededicated itself to fostering an enabling environment for the telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive.
Maida stressed that this year’s trade fair with the theme, “Sustaining economic recovery through deepening local content value chain” is extremely important, as it resonates deeply with the principles and objectives of the NCC on the promotion of local content development in the telecoms industry.
The CEO added that in line with the NCC’s commitment to supporting local content, the Commission has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
He revealed that the Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in the Commission’s Digital Economy Department and its Research and Development Department, have been encouraging local manufacturing and assembly of telecommunications equipment, promoting local software development, and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth.
The Commission, he added, has sponsored several Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovators 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”, Maida noted.
In addition to this, he stated that the NCC has continued to prioritize consumer protection and empowerment, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality telecommunications services and are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities. In his words, “We believe that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain”.
The NCC EVC urges all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content, stressing that by working together, a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth, can be created.
While advocating promotion of economic growth through the development of local content, Maida identified the need to address the challenges faced by consumers, assuring that NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction.
With its keen interest and commitment to consumer protection, the NCC has implemented measures to safeguard the interest of consumers and businesses alike, the CEO added. “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”, he said.
Such initiatives include; Consumer Education Outreach Programmes; Consumer Complaints Management (CCM); Development of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code; Development of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and Campaign against Sales & Buying of Pre-registered SIM Cards, among others.
Maida urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunities presented at the fair to deepen their collective commitment to sustaining economic recovery through the promotion of local content in the telecommunications sector.
