The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosted its two-day Talk-to-the-Regulator Stakeholders Consultative Forum held at the Golden Tulip hotel, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to a press statement signed by the Director Public Affairs of the commission, it states that the laudable event brought together industry leaders, licensees,and representatives from telecommunication companies to engage in robust discussions and address the challenges facing Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecom sector.
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, delivered a keynote speech, acknowledging the pivotal role of the communications sector in Nigeria’s economic growth.
Prof. Danbatta highlighted the recent licensing of 5G network services and the NCC’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible telecommunications services for all Nigerians.
He maintained that, “We believe that the deployment of 5G Technology Services will ensure that Nigeria maximizes the benefit of the 4th Industrial Revolution while being sufficiently prepared for any attendant risk that may occur. The Commission has played an effective role in placing the nation at a vantage position in order to reap these benefits.”
A welcome address was delivered by the Zonal Controller of the commission, Port Harcourt Zonal Office, Venny Eze,
Eze expressed gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the importance of the forum in creating a platform for dialogue between the NCC, licensees, and other industry stakeholders.
She highlighted the event’s theme, “Enhancing Stakeholders’ Satisfaction,” and encouraged active participation and the sharing of ideas.
According to Eze, “This forum provides a rare occasion that would enable the Commission to identify the challenges confronting the industry from the pragmatic point of view of the industry players. Licensees are expected to engage the regulator through robust discussions, with a view to identifying the various challenges affecting their operations while making suggestions requiring regulatory interventions.”
Moreso, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu,dwell on the importance of understanding regulatory obligations and addressing misconceptions.
He stated, “Constant engagement with the Regulator is the path towards regulatory efficiency as it preserves the integrity of the regulatory instruments issued by the Regulator whilst securing the buy-in of all stakeholders.”
Another speaker is the Director of the Licensing and Authorization Department, Mr. Mohammed Babajika spoke extensively on the NCC’s ongoing efforts to accommodate emerging trends.
He postulates as thus, “The Commission recognizes that technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Network as a Service, and the Internet of Things are redefining service delivery. We are currently reviewing our license categories to align with global trends and ensure the industry’s growth.”
In the same vein, Babajika maintained as “The licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) will improve the telecommunication output of the country, enable the expansion and availability of quality mobile coverage, and close the gap for the unserved and underserved population in Nigeria.”
As the two-day forum progressed, participants actively raised issues, shared experiences, and proposed viable solutions to the challenges faced by the industry.
Conclusively, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta urged participants to actively engage in the forum by asking questions, providing valuable feedback, and proposing innovative solutions that address the concerns raised during the interactive sessions. That the commission remains committed to fostering collaboration and continuously improving the telecom industry to meet the evolving needs of the Nigerian populace.
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