Danbatta described Nigeria as an African continent telecommunications powerhouse with 82 percent of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29 percent of internet consumption.

Addressing stakeholders at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the Emerging Technology Workshop and Forum for the telecom industry, Danbatta, however, lamented that the ranking of Nigeria globally in relation to Network Readiness Index (NRI) not impressive.

Danbatta, who was represented at the event by the Director of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, Abraham Osadami said Nigeria would need to expand its telecommunications infrastructures to attain appropriate ranking.

Danbatta said: “Nigeria is a telecommunications powerhouse, with 82% of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29% of the continent’s internet consumption. Our nation rates eleventh globally in terms of internet penetration and seventh in terms of mobile phone usage.

“Despite these remarkable metrics, the fact that our Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking for 2022 is 109th out of 131 countries is both humbling and challenging.

“The NRI is a guiding metric that measures the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“It explores the performances of 131 economies in four key categories: technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and impact. As agents of social and economic transformation in our nation, prioritizing network readiness is not only a strategic necessity but a mandate.”

Highlighting the significance of the Forum, Danbatta said the surge in data utilisation, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the advent of artificial intelligence, and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies necessitated the urgent need for ongoing network surveillance and expansion.

“To navigate this era of transformation, we must embrace innovation, make strategic investments, and cultivate a growth-friendly ecosystem” he added.

The EVC said even though the industry has achieved remarkable growth in the past two decades, more investments would be needed to upscale the performance of the industry and meet the expectations of the citizens.

He said the forum would engage in thought-provoking discussions and tap from the resources and presentations of renowned professionals in the technology landscape for maximum results.

Danbatta said: “As we convene here today, the innovation symphony resonates with our common goals. The Emerging Technology Forum acts as a beacon, directing us towards the intersection of transformation and advancement.

“This forum is where we bridge the divide between aspiration and achievement. Through spirited dialogues, collaborative exchanges, and the exploration of emerging technologies, we move closer to our vision of a fully interconnected, telecommunications-driven Nigeria.”

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Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman (EVC) of NCC, disclosed this at the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE) in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Danbatta was represented by Ubale Maska, the commission’s executive commissioner (technical service).

He expressed the commitment of the agency towards the drive of the federal government to place the economy on a sustainable pedestal through all the necessary policies put in place.

In fostering this vision, Danbatta said the commission created the Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) as a special-purpose vehicle to bring it to fulfilment.

“I am happy to inform you that NTICE is one of the achievements of NCC through NODITS because it has served not only to promote pillar number five (strategic partnering) of the strategic management plan SMP 2020-2024 of the commission,” the NCC boss said.

“The commission is equally committed to continuously supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and innovators to promote our talented young persons and ventures through angel investments, research and development support, exposure to investors and sponsorship to local and international tech events.”

In addition to NCC’s feats, Danbatta said the ban on the importation of whole-body SIM cards — announced at the maiden NTICE event last year — was another significant achievement.

“This ban has not only eased the burden on our demand for foreign exchange but has also created business in excess of N55 billion for the local SIM card manufacturers in Nigeria which in turn has created direct and indirect jobs,” he added.

Danbatta said by promoting indigenous content, Nigeria can boost economic growth.

He also urged the government to grant the telecommunications industry autonomy to enable it to thrive.

‘PRICING REGIME OF INDUSTRY IS NOT SUSTAINABLE’

In his remarks, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), asked the federal government to consider granting the industry autonomy.

He said the industry’s success, especially in the most recent years, has been traced to its independence.

Adebayo said ALTON is requesting the independence of the industry regulator — the NCC. 

“So, while we welcome Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy and congratulate him, we ask that a guarantee be placed on the autonomy and independence of our regulator,” the ALTON chairman said.

“Let him (the minister) stay with the issue of policy and leave NCC with regulation

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