Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has described the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Context Expo (NTICE) as one of the achievements of the commission through the Nigeria Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS).
Represented by the NCC’s executive commissioner, technical services, Engr. Ubale Maska, Danbatta spoke at the second edition of NTICE held at Landmark Centre, Lagos on August 23.
At the event, the NCC brought stakeholders to discuss the issue of indigenous content development, skill gaps in the telecoms sector and other sundry issues.
In his welcome address, Danbatta said, “The Commission is fully committed to the drive of the Federal Government to place the Nigerian Economy on a sustainable pedestal through all the necessary policies put in place. When we created the Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Commission to drive the National Policy for Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector in July 2021, the Office was given four areas of focus: Manufacturing, Human Capacity, Research & Development (R&D) and Software & Services development for the telecoms sector.
“Today, I am happy to inform you that NTICE is one of the achievements of NCC through NODITS because it has served not only to promote Pillar number 5 (Strategic Partnering) of the Strategic Management Plan SMP 2020-2024 of the Commission but has also become the flagship indigenous content event for the industry.
READ ALSO:
NCC showcases indigenous telecom achievements at NTICE 2023 Expo
NCC warns against sale, use of non-type approved devices
“The Commission has also incentivized the manufacturing of Corrugated Optical Duct (COD) that will be used to protect our fibre infrastructure from the incessant cuts experienced by our service providers. The Commission is equally committed to continuously supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Innovators to promote our talented young persons and ventures though Angel Investments, R&D support, exposure to Investors and sponsorship to local and international tech events.
“Another key achievement of our policies is the ban on importation of whole-body SIM cards which was announced at the maiden NTICE event last year.
“This ban has not only eased the burden on our demand for foreign exchange but has also created business in excess of N55bn for the local SIM card manufacturers in Nigeria which in turn has created direct and indirect jobs.”
He concluded that NTICE 2023 is a declaration of Nigeria’s commitment to shaping its digital destiny.
Team Lead of NODITS, Engr. Babagana Digima, said: This expo is not just a congregation of like-minded individuals; it’s a nexus of innovation and creativity. It’s a platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and collaborations are born. It’s a space where the synergy of diverse minds transforms into actionable strategies that will propel us towards new horizons of economic growth and sustainable development.”
