The recently held Talk-To-The Regulator (TTTR) Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State marked a new town around for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and its licensees. The forum aimed to foster collaboration, gather valuable feedback, and address industry challenges while enhancing service delivery and regulatory measures in the Nigerian telecom sector. This article presents an overview of the speeches delivered during the event, highlighting the key points discussed.
Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, expressed his delight at hosting the Talk-To-The Regulator Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He emphasized the NCC’s commitment to engaging with licensees and stakeholders through these interactive sessions to advance industry development and improve telecom services for consumers.
Acknowledging the postponement of the forum in 2022 due to the devastating flood disaster in Bayelsa State, Prof. Danbatta extended his condolences to the affected people and expressed hope that necessary preparations had been made to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Prof. Danbatta highlighted the rapid growth of technology in the telecom industry, which has redefined service delivery and increased stakeholder expectations expectations. He discussed the interventions and responses implemented by the NCC, including facilitating the rollout of 5G services, introducing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licenses, reviewing existing licenses, and driving the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP) to achieve widespread broadband penetration.
The “Talk-To-The Regulator” Forum”
The Zonal Controller of NCC, in his welcome address, emphasized the significance of the TTTR forum as a platform for non-discriminatory interaction between licensees, regulators, and other industry stakeholders. He encouraged licensees to actively participate, ask questions, and provide feedback to address concerns and improve investment and service delivery.
Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, the Executive Commissioner of Stakeholder Management at NCC, highlighted the purpose of the TTTR forum. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders, promoting awareness of NCC activities, obtaining feedback, and addressing misconceptions about the Commission and its processes. Mr. Adewolu discussed the pivotal role of the communications sector in Nigeria’s economic growth, its contributions to the digital economy agenda, and the recent deployment of 5G services.
Mr. Mohammed Babajika, the Director of Licensing and Authorization Department at NCC, outlined the objectives of the Talk-To-The Regulator (TTTR) Forum. He emphasized the importance of educating licensees on obligations, creating a platform for open discussions on challenges and solutions, and obtaining feedback to aid decision-making and enhance regulatory policies.
Mr. Babajika discussed the Commission’s commitment to reviewing license categories, accommodating emerging technologies, and licensing Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to expand mobile coverage and bridge the gap in unserved and underserved areas. He urged stakeholders to actively participate and seek clarifications on license obligations, renewal processes, and emerging industry trends.
The Talk-To-The Regulator Forum held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, provided a vital platform for the NCC, licensees, and stakeholders to engage in productive discussions, address challenges, and collectively contribute to the advancement of the Nigerian telecom industry. The speeches delivered by Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, and Mr. Mohammed Babajika highlighted the NCC’s commitment to fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and improving service delivery in the telecom sector.
The forum emphasized the NCC’s efforts to facilitate the rollout of 5G services, expand mobile coverage through MVNO licensing, review license categories, and drive the Nigeria National Broadband Plan for widespread broadband penetration. The discussions focused on addressing industry concerns, clarifying regulatory obligations, and obtaining valuable feedback from stakeholders to shape future policies and initiatives.
By fostering open dialogue and partnership between regulators and licensees, the Talk-To-The Regulator Forum contributes to a more transparent and responsive regulatory framework. This collaborative approach will help drive sustainable growth in the Nigerian telecom industry, enhance consumer experiences, and further support the country’s digital economy agenda.
The forum served as a stepping stone towards advancing the Nigerian telecom industry, setting the stage for continued collaboration and innovation among stakeholders. The NCC’s dedication to engaging with licensees and stakeholders is a testament to its commitment to creating an enabling environment for the telecom sector’s growth and development
