NCC Restates Commitment On Supporting Local Content, Innovation
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has that the commission has remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive.
Speaking in Kaduna at the NCC Special Day at the just concluded 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair said the above has remained one of the most critical thrust of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, ” adding 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 NCC is an Independent National Regulatory Authority that oversees Telecommunication Services in Nigeria. Our vision at NCC is to create a dynamic regulatory environment that ensures universal access to affordable and equitable service and supports the nation’s economic growth.
” As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.
” The Commission is fully committed to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy. We recognize the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth”, he said.
He said Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in Digital Economy Department and Research and Development Department of NCC 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.
Maida said the Commission had sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy.
He said that 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.
He said the NCC had also 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.
“We believe that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain.
“As we participate in this trade fair, we urge all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content.
“By working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.
“Conversely, as we promote economic growth through development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction.
“We, therefore, encourage businesses and service providers to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service delivery.
“With our keen interest and commitment to consumer protection, the NCC has implemented measures to safeguard the interest of consumers and businesses alike. 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.”
Maida said the NCC had also established seamless programs to Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives.
These programmes include the Consumer Education Outreach, Consumer Complaints Management (CCM), and Development of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code, among others.
