NCC has reiterated its commitment to full advancement of local content and the overall development of the country’s economy.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reiterated its commitment to full advancement of local content and the overall development of the country’s economy. In this regard, the Commission has rededicated itself to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive. This is in recognition of the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth.
These were the declarations of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, in his speech at the “NCC Special Day” during the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair organized by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), on Tuesday, February 27.
Maida stressed that this years’ 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.
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He remarked 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.
The CEO, added that in line with the NCC commitment to supporting local content, the Commission has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector. In this regard, Maida stated 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, 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, he added, 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”, Maida noted.
He added 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 urge 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 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.
