The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communication Commission NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta has said that ban on importation of whole body SIM cards has not only eased the burden on demand for foreign exchange but also created business in excess of Fifty-Five Billion Naira ( N55billion).
Prof Danbatta disclosed this today while delivering a keynote address at the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo(NTICE) in Lagos, Danbatta while recounting the achievements of NTICE 2023 said the local SIM card manufacturers have created direct and indirect jobs across the country.
Dwelling on the theme: Harnessing Indigenous Content; Networking to Boost Investments, Danbatta noted that the NCC has incentivized the manufacturing of Corrugated Optical Duct (COD) that will be used to protect fibre infrastructure from the incessant cuts experienced by service providers.
Danbatta who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr Ubale Maska, noted that the NCC was committed to continuous support to 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.
He described NTICE as one of the greatest achievements of the Commission
“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” , he acclaimed.
Danbatta called on stakeholders in the industry to seize the opportunities presented by NTICE 2023 to bridge digital gap by advocating for accessible technology and ensuring that the benefits of innovation were extended to every corner of Nigeria.
According to him, this inclusivity is crucial in driving equitable growth and empowering communities to be active participants in the digital revolution.
“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 Purpos 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.”He stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) Lead Team, Engr Babagana Digima stated that NTICE is anexus of opportunities for creativity and innovation.
He said that NODITS was organised to encourage to explore digital innovatiothat would impact the telecoms industry adding that participants would have opportunities to share insights for digital transformation.
Credit: Super News
