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.
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the significance of deepening local content value chain in sustaining economic recovery during the NCC Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair.
Addressing a gathering of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, Dr. Maida stressed that the theme of this year’s trade fair, “Sustaining Economic Recovery through Deepening Local Content Value Chain,” aligns with the NCC’s commitment to promoting local content in the telecommunications sector.
“NCC is an Independent National Regulatory Authority that oversees Telecommunication Services in Nigeria. Our vision at NCC is to create a dynamic regulatory environment that ensures universal access to affordable and equitable service and supports the nation’s economic growth. As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.”
Dr. Maida’s speech highlighted the importance of local content in driving economic growth and development. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to deepen the local content value chain, which will, in turn, sustain economic recovery and promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
“The Commission is fully committed to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy. We recognize the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth.
He added, “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 event, organized by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), brought together indigenous and foreign exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and telecom consumers to showcase their products and services, and to discuss ways to promote local content and sustain economic recovery.
Dr. Maida also highlighted the NCC’s initiatives aimed at promoting local content, including the development of a National Policy on Local Content, which is designed to ensure that Nigerians are actively involved in the telecommunications sector.
“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. The Commission has sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy.”
He also emphasized the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, stating that the NCC is committed to supporting startups and small businesses in the telecommunications sector.
“As we participate in this trade fair, we urge 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”
The NCC EV/CEO’s speech was well-received by the audience, and his message resonated with the exhibitors and attendees at the trade fair.
In his remarks, the President of KADCCIMA commended the NCC for its commitment to promoting local content and sustaining economic recovery. He also urged other stakeholders to follow the NCC’s example and work towards deepening the local content value chain.
The 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair continues until March 4, 2023, and is expected to attract thousands of visitors and exhibitors from across Nigeria and neighboring countries
The NCC Special Day at the trade fair featured a series of activities, including an exhibition of local content initiatives in the telecommunications sector, a panel discussion on “Deepening Local Content Value Chain in the Telecommunications Sector,” and a presentation on the NCC’s Local Content Policy.
The exhibition showcased innovative products and services developed by Nigerian companies, including telecommunications equipment, software solutions, and digital services.
The panel discussion brought together industry experts, regulators, and entrepreneurs to discuss ways to deepen the local content value chain in the telecommunications sector. The panelists emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and investment in local content to drive economic growth and development.
The presentation on the NCC’s Local Content Policy highlighted the commission’s efforts to ensure that Nigerians are actively involved in the telecommunications sector. The policy aims to promote local content in the sector, including local manufacturing, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The NCC Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair was a huge success, with many exhibitors and attendees commending the commission for its efforts to promote local content and sustain economic recovery.
The event ended with a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together to deepen the local content value chain and promote economic growth and development in Nigeria.
