The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy.
The Executive Vice Chairman, (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated this in a speech during the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA).
The EVC noted that the NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this, according to him, is one of the most critical thrust of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
While emphasising the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth, Maida noted 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.
“We recognize the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth. The NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this is one of 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”, the EVC said.
Maida further noted that in line with the NCC’s commitment to supporting local content, the Commission has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
He added: “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.
“The Commission has sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy. 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.
“Furthermore, 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 urged 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. It may interest you to know that as at Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5% (Source – Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report, November 2023 – A publication of the National Bureau of Statistics).”