There is need to embrace indigenous content and value creation within the telecoms value chain in order to sustain and further improve quality of service and quality of experience in telecommunications services in Nigeria.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, made this declaration at the opening of the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo, NTICF, recently.
The NCC boss said his commission was fully committed to the drive of the federal government to place the Nigerian economy on a sustainable pedestal through all the necessary policies put in place.
He said when the Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector, NODITS, was created as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the commission to drive the National Policy for Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector in July 2021, it was given four areas of focus: Manufacturing, Human Capacity, Research & Development (R&D) and Software & Services development for the telecoms sector.
He said at present, the NTICE had become one of the achievements of NCC through NODITS because it had served not only to promote strategic partnering of the Strategic Management Plan SMP 20202024 of the commission but had also become the flagship indigenous content event for the industry.
Danbatta said the commission had also incentivized the manufacturing of Corrugated Optical Duct, COD, that would be used to protect fibre infrastructure from the incessant cuts experienced by the service providers.
He said the commission was equally committed to continuously supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Innovators to promote our talented young persons and ventures.
The NCC boss pointed out that another key achievement of its policies was the ban on importation of whole body SIM cards which was announced at the maiden NTICE event last year.
“This ban has not only eased the burden on our demand for foreign exchange but has also created business in excess of N55bn for the local SIM card manufacturers in Nigeria which in turn has created direct and indirect jobs.
“Nigeria with its rich history of innovation, resilience, and creativity as well as our diverse culture, talents, and perspectives has birthed solutions that uniquely cater for our challenges and aspirations. The NTICE 2023 platform is a celebration of these achievements, a testament to the Nigerian spirit of ingenuity,” he stated.
He added that NTICE was also a place to nurture and support the burgeoning talent pool within Nigeria.
According to him, by showcasing indigenous innovations and providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs, “we are not only nurturing our local talents but also encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship and creativity that will propel Nigeria onto the global stage of technological leadership.”
He said having recognized the persistent digital divide that existed within the country, it became important to seize the opportunities presented by NTICE 2023 to bridge the gap by advocating for accessible technology and ensuring that the benefits of innovation were extended to every corner of Nigeria.
“This inclusivity is crucial in driving equitable growth and empowering communities to be active participants in the digital revolution.
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