The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has expressed confidence in the ability of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida in tackling challenges facing the telecoms industry in the country.
This was the submission of many stakeholders in the industry at a reception held in his honour by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos on Friday.
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, president of ATCON thanked the EVC for demonstrating an open-door leadership policy that has enabled the players to get closer to the Commissioner.
He expressed confidence in the EVC’s leadership style to tackle multifaceted challenges plaguing the industry.
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““The changes being made in this sector are instrumental for 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 to face these challenges for the betterment of our economy.
Biodun Omoniyi, MD/CEO, 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.”
Commenting, Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, MD, 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.
Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne, an Equinix company, said: “Thank you for taking time to be with us this evening. ATCON has been actively involved in the agenda towards moving Nigeria forward and the telecoms sector in particular. Under your administration, we will look at strategies and outcomes that will benefit Nigerians”
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“You have started well by taking the initiative to meet with captains of the industry. NCC has been an accessible regulatory Commission which is to the credit of the management. Hopefully, in your tenure this industry will grow from 14% to 25% contributions to the country’s GDP”.
Meanwhile in his appreciation remark, Dr. Maida, said with 14% contributions to Nigeria’s Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, the telecommunications industry has done well for the country.
While there are still challenges facing the sector, it has done well in its contributions to the country’s economy.
“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”.
Thanking ATCON for the reception in his honour, the EVC said: “For me, it feels as though I have known you people for ages. I want to say a big thank you. I know the challenges are acute, but we are looking at them working with the Minister. The industry has done well for the country, contributing about 14% to the GDP.
“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”, he added.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria has seen growth in the nominal GDP Value of the ICT Sector from N7.1 trillion in the Q3 2023 to N8.4 trillion in Q4, 2023 and a “patterned fall” to N7.9 trillion in Q1 2024.
The nominal GDP value in the Telecoms & Information Services Sub-Sector in Q1 2024, about N6.2 Trillion, is 10.81 percent higher than the Q3 2023 and also higher compared to Q1, 2023 N5.6 Trillion.