Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), delivered a compelling speech during the “NCC Day” at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair. The event, organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), took place at the Abuja Trade & Convention Centre, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Way, Airport Road, Abuja.
Professor Danbatta began by expressing the NCC’s delight in being a part of this prestigious trade fair, emphasizing the Commission’s role as a strategic partner to the Commerce, Mines, and Industry sectors. The platform provided by the trade fair allows the NCC to engage with telecoms consumers and business owners across the country.
The theme of this year’s trade fair, “Sustainable Financing and Taxation,” was lauded as timely and relevant. Professor Danbatta highlighted the pivotal role of the telecommunications industry in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and improving citizens’ quality of life. As the regulator of the telecommunications sector, the NCC holds the responsibility of ensuring its sustainability and vitality.
He underscored the telecommunications sector’s significance in the digital economy agenda, emphasizing that it empowers individuals, connects businesses, strengthens industries, and enables efficient government service delivery. However, sustaining and growing this digital infrastructure requires substantial investment.
Professor Danbatta emphasized the importance of taxation practices that do not hinder innovation or burden consumers and the need to create an environment where telecom companies can thrive. The NCC continuously engages with governments at both the federal and state levels to harmonize taxation in the telecom sector.
The NCC’s regulatory efforts aim to deepen access to digital services and enhance competitiveness in job creation, GDP growth, workforce transformation, and business innovation. With the number of active mobile subscriptions surpassing 220 million and broadband penetration at 45.57% as of August 2023, digital skills and technologies are vital for Nigerian businesses to remain competitive globally.
The NCC remains committed to creating a conducive environment for robust telecom and broadband infrastructure, improving the quality of service and experience for consumers, and promoting the transition of industries into ICT-driven sectors.
Professor Danbatta also touched on the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria, highlighting its potential for higher connection speeds, mobility, and low-latency capabilities. The NCC aims to provide a level playing field for operators, promote investment, and ensure enhanced consumer quality of experience.
He expressed gratitude to the attendees and encouraged them to take advantage of the “NCC Day” to learn more about the Commission’s work, ask questions, and seek assistance from NCC representatives. In conclusion, Professor Danbatta emphasized the NCC’s commitment to driving digital transformation and the importance of sustainable financing and fair taxation practices to ensure the resilience of the telecommunications sector.
