By: Mercy Peter
The contribution of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in the telecommunication industry has not gone unnoticed.
Maida was recently honoured by telecoms for his open-door leadership policy”, and contribution of the sector to the economy.
The telecoms sector contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has hit 14.58 percent under his watch.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), in a recent special reception in honour of the EVC hailed his open door leadership policy
Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON, was also confidence in the ability of Maid led regulatory body address the various cchallenges confronting the industry.
Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty (Nigeria) and former President of ATCON, said, “the EVC’s engagements with the telecoms sector have been fruitful.
“So, it is not out of place to formally welcome the EVC to the industry. We look forward to more engagements for fruitful results in the industry.”
Biodun Omoniyi, Managing Director/CEO of VDT Communications, said: “We are happy to have the EVC in our midst. Truly, there are challenges across the country, but ours is peculiar.
“However, with the EVC at the helm of affairs, we are ready to work with you to achieve your visions for this sector. Collaboration is key.”
On his part, Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, Managing Director of TECNO Mobile, said: “Tecno is happy to be in this country to impact the lives of Nigerians. We will continue to provide affordable devices and in the quality that is required of us.
“Tecno has been recognised by the NCC as one of the most compliant OEMs in the country.
“We couldn’t have attained that if not for the support from the NCC and the industry advocacy group, ATCON.”
Also, Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), also stated: “The changes being made in this sector are instrumental in fundamental changes in the country.
“We have a lot of challenges, however, the new highway is digital. We need a collective approach to tackle our challenges, and we trust in your regulatory competencies (as being celebrated across Africa and beyond) to face these challenges for the betterment of our economy.
Earlier in his address at the event, Maida commended the resilience of the telecoms sector in its 14.58 percent contribution to the GDP.
He also restated the Commission’s commitment to growing and strengthening the telecommunications industry, while delivering Quality of Experience (QoE) to telecoms consumers.
In regard to some of the current challenges facing the sector, Maida said affirmed though the country has about 200 million connected lines, more than half of the figure are on still 2G technology.
He stated: “So, there is a lot of work to be done, especially in addressing challenges faced by MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) for long-term sustainability.”
Appreciating ATCON for the warm reception in his honour, the NCC Chief said: “I want to say a big thank you. I know the challenges are acute, but we are looking at them working with the Minister (for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy).”
In his assessment of how the sector has fared in terms of its contribution to the Nigerian economy during the First Quarter (Q1) of 2024, the EVC/CEO of NCC declared that the industry “has done well for the country, contributing about 14 percent to the GDP.”
He also assured the industry stakeholders that the Commission will always follow the right path
He said: “You have my assurances that as the regulator, the NCC would always listen and do the right things.
“Please, continue in the spirit of conversation. Let’s see this as a partnership towards a better industry.”
On Dr. Maida’s entourage to the special reception in his honour, in Lagos, included Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services; Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management; Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs (DPA); and Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Media Relations Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission and Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
