By Olayinka Adediran
The innovative strides of Dr. Aminu Maida in revitalizing Nigeria’s telecommunications sphere have garnered praise from the esteemed Citizens Watch Africa (CWA). Since assuming the role of EVC/CEO at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Maida has been instrumental in orchestrating transformative changes within the sector. His visionary leadership has not only invigorated the industry but has also set a benchmark for excellence. With his dedication and forward-thinking approach, Dr. Maida continues to steer Nigeria towards a brighter technological future, earning admiration from stakeholders and citizens alike.
In a compelling showcase on Tuesday, the collective voice of industry leaders echoed praise for Maida’s transformative reforms, igniting a newfound fervor among stakeholders within the telecom sector. These reforms, hailed as visionary, serve as a beacon of confidence, drawing in substantial investments vital for bolstering the intricate web of telecom infrastructure.
In a solemn address, the convener of the group, the esteemed Honorable Pastor Dave Ogbole, stood before the gathered audience, his words carrying the weight of careful consideration. He spoke of a journey, a meticulous exploration into the inner workings of the NCC over the past half-year. With diligence as their guide, they navigated the complexities, unraveling the intricacies that lay hidden beneath the surface. And now, standing at this juncture, they arrived at a resolute conclusion, forged through scrutiny, tempered by insight: a conclusion poised to shape the path forward
In a refreshing turn of events, Ogbole heralded a revival in the ethos of transparency and accountability spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Maida at the helm of the NCC. This resurgence marks a profound commitment to openness and responsibility, setting a new standard for governance in the telecommunications sector.
“This has consequently led to an improvement in the organization’s governance processes. The takeaway from this new drive is the disposition by the leadership of the NCC to ensure a level playing ground for all players in the sector,” he added.
“Citizens Watch Africa states that the new drive at the NCC has indeed re-positioned the agency for improved productivity. This has been evident in the various stakeholder engagement initiatives where feedback is gathered and examined to improve the sector.
“We are using this medium to commend the leadership of the NCC. It is highly dedicated and committed to delivering on its key mandate. The new drive at the NCC has led to a steady increase in active voice and internet subscriptions, including a drop in teledensity.
“It is instructive to state that the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63% to 102.30% in September. Broadband penetration dropped from 45.47% to 40.85% in the same month. The active voice subscription statistics witnessed a marginal growth from 220,715,961 to 221,769,883 as of September 2023. In addition, Internet subscriptions also enjoyed a marginal increase, from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,125 in September 2023.
“These are indicators of the renewed commitment by the NCC leadership to revamp the sector. Citizens Watch Africa salutes the dexterity and passion of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida. He hit the ground running with laudable policies to re-position the telecoms industry for optimal productivity. “
As the group gathered, their voices rose in harmony, echoing their collective sentiment. They leaned in, their eyes alight with admiration, and spoke in unison, urging Maida to persist in her remarkable leadership journey. They recognized her indispensable role at this pivotal juncture of their shared mission for enduring progress and prosperity. With each word, they wove a tapestry of support, fortifying the foundation of their aspirations with unwavering belief in Maida’s capacity to guide them towards a future brimming with possibility.
