The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) marked a significant occasion at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair with its “NCC Special Day” event. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, delivered a keynote speech underscoring the importance of sustaining economic recovery through the deepening of the local content value chain in the telecommunications sector.
Addressing a distinguished audience including the President of Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), CEOs of various companies, directors, officials, exhibitors, entrepreneurs, telecom consumers, and members of the press, Dr. Maida emphasized the pivotal role of the NCC in regulating Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
Dr. Maida highlighted the NCC’s vision of creating a dynamic regulatory environment to ensure universal access to affordable and equitable telecom services while supporting the nation’s economic growth. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting local content development and fostering an enabling environment for innovation in line with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s objectives.
Underlining the significance of deepening the local content value chain, Dr. Maida showcased the NCC’s initiatives aimed at indigenous participation in the telecom sector. He mentioned the Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS) and the Research and Development Department, which promote local manufacturing, software development, and digital skills among Nigerian youth.
Dr. Maida highlighted the Commission’s efforts in consumer protection and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of an empowered consumer base for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain. He cited the telecoms industry’s substantial contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, standing at 13.5% as of Q3 2023, according to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report.
Furthermore, Dr. Maida outlined various measures implemented by the NCC to safeguard consumer rights, including complaint management systems, toll-free contact centers, and initiatives like the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service and Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
The speech also emphasized the ongoing campaign for National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) linkage, highlighting its importance for national security. Dr. Maida announced the Commission’s directive for telecommunication operators to deactivate phone lines not linked to NINs by February 28, 2024, underlining the critical nature of the initiative.
In conclusion, Dr. Maida expressed gratitude to the organizers of the trade fair and encouraged participants to utilize the NCC Pavilion to engage with representatives of service providers, address complaints, and learn more about the Commission’s activities.
The “NCC Special Day” served as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate towards sustaining economic recovery through the promotion of local content and ensuring consumer protection in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.