The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has urged all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content.
Maida made the appeal while speaking on Tuesday at the NCC Special Day at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair holding in Kaduna, Kaduna State.
“By working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth,” noting that as of Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP stood at 13.5%.
“Conversely, as we promote economic growth through the 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,” he said.
Maida stated that with keen interest and commitment to consumer protection, the NCC has implemented measures to safeguard the interests of consumers and businesses alike, including the establishment of 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. We have also established seamless programmes that will Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives,” he said.
The EVC said the Commission is fully committed to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy and therefore, recognises the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth.
He reiterated the telecom regulator’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for the telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this is one of the most critical thrusts of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
According to Maida, “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.”
He disclosed that the Commission has sponsored several Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovators expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy.
Maida stated further that the NCC has 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,” he said.
He urged all participants at the Trade Fair to take full advantage of the opportunities presented at the Fair to deepen the nation’s collective commitment to sustaining economic recovery through the promotion of local content in the telecommunications sector.