Kaduna, Feb. 28, 2024- The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is fully committed to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry where local content and innovation can thrive.
Dr Aminu Maida, the Chief Executive of the NCC, said this in Kaduna at the NCC Special Day at the just concluded 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair
He said this had remained the most critical thrust of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
“We cannot overemphasize the fact 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.
“In line with our commitment to supporting local content, the NCC has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
“The Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in our Digital Economy Department and our Research and Development Department, 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.
Others are Development of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the Commission partners with Law Enforcement agencies to protect Telecom Infrastructure, Campaign against Sales & Buying of Pre-registered SIM Cards and Direction on Roll-Over of Data, amongst others. (GBN)
