In a resounding chorus of applause, the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), a prominent stakeholder group in the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape, has showered praise upon Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for his exceptional leadership and unprecedented accomplishments in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
Under the visionary guidance of Prof. Danbatta, the Nigerian telecom sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, shattering previous limitations and emerging as a beacon of progress. During his eight-year tenure as the EVC of NCC, the sector has attracted an astonishing $77 billion in investments, propelling it to the forefront of the nation’s economic landscape.
The ICT group commended Danbatta for overseeing a sector that now contributes a substantial 16 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant increase from its 8 percent contribution in 2015. The financial impact of the sector is undeniable, with a recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealing a substantial N2.508 trillion contribution to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, representing 14.13 percent.
Chike Onwuegbuchi, the National Chairman of NITRA, highlighted one of the key achievements of Danbatta’s leadership—the bold embrace of 5G technology, positioning Nigeria as an early adopter in the global digital economy. This strategic move resulted in the generation of $820.8 million in federal government revenue from 5G spectrum license fees paid by leading operators.
Furthermore, the issuance of a license to Elon Musk-owned SpaceX for Starlinks broadband services, a satellite-based wireless broadband offering with nationwide coverage potential, has been a game-changer for the industry and a testament to Danbatta’s forward-thinking approach, according to the ICT group.
The group also emphasized the remarkable growth in telephone users, internet subscribers, and broadband users under Danbatta’s leadership, which has reached 218.9 million, 159.5 million, and 88.7 million, respectively. They noted that these figures, along with the creation of numerous jobs, underscore the sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development.
The ICT group lauded Danbatta’s unwavering commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and active stakeholder engagement, which has set a powerful precedent for success and highlighted the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, regulatory complexities, and power supply issues.
The ICT community urged the federal government to replicate the telecom sector’s success in other industries to propel Nigeria into the ranks of the world’s top 20 economies. They see Danbatta’s leadership as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and visionary leadership.
As accolades continue to pour in, Prof. Danbatta’s transformative leadership in Nigeria’s telecom sector serves as an inspiring example of how visionary leadership can drive growth, innovation, and prosperity in the nation’s economy.
Chike concluded the statement by remarking, “His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”
