Broadband connectivity remains biggest enabler of digital economy, financial inclusion—Maida

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, says broadband connectivity which is one of the commission’s priority remains the biggest enabler of the digital economy and financial inclusion.

Maida who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, in Abuja recently also reflected on the need to maximise the potential of innovations in some technological evolutions, such as the 5G revolution, in order to create more opportunities within the industry and further boost connectivity.

He informed the Minister that a review of internal processes at the Commission is ongoing to engender efficiency and responsiveness of the Commission, including the digitization of most of our operations.

“Under my leadership, the Commission will give priorities to the improvement of our regulatory activities. With this, we hope to see more investors come into the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, with the attendant creation of vertical businesses and increased Foreign Direct Investments, revenue generation, and employment”, Maida stated.

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The EVC also said, “In all these, the goal is for the Commission to achieve optimal operational excellence which underpins the success of all other priority areas that we have set in order to achieve a significant all-round growth of the telecommunications industry”.

The EVC told the Minister that the visit was a crucial one which gave him the opportunity to share with the minister his vision and priorities for the Commission. Maida also said that these priorities were in tandem with delivering on the 5-Pillars of the Strategic Plan unveiled by the Minister.

“We are currently carrying out an in-depth study and critical review of issues within the industry. One of the areas we are placing priority on is Quality of Experience,” Maida told the Minister.

Maida equally recalled his visit to the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos, where he met an institution with vast potentials that would be an asset in driving a knowledge-based economy, in line with the “Knowledge Pillar” of the Strategic Plan unveiled by the minister.

“Consequently, we will be prioritizing the revamp, retooling, and redirection of the Institute towards extracting its optimum value in line with our objectives,” the EVC said.

Dr. Tijani, who warmly welcomed the NCC boss, acknowledged the importance and relevance of the telecom regulator in achieving the nation’s digital aspiration.

“The NCC is a stellar agency, and you have my respect for the work that you do. There is no future for the country without the NCC. Already, the quality you have is good; what we need to do now is to tap into this quality to bring about greater value for the country,” Tijani said.

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“I want to assure you that you have the best partner in me. We will work together to achieve the goals and vision we have set,” the Minister assured the NCC CEO.