By Rahmatullah Mahmud
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), made a powerful speech on February 27, 2024, at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair. He emphasized the critical role that local content plays in promoting economic recovery and growth in the telecommunications industry.
The event, organized by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), provided a platform for industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and consumers to converge and deliberate on strategies to deepen the local content value chain.
Dr. Maida highlighted the NCC’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment conducive to local content development, emphasizing the Commission’s vision of ensuring universal access to affordable and equitable telecommunications services. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers in promoting indigenous participation and innovation within the sector.
Among the initiatives championed by the NCC to promote local content are the Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS) and various hackathons aimed at nurturing Nigerian talent and fostering digital entrepreneurship.
In addition to promoting local content, Dr. Maida emphasized the NCC’s dedication to consumer protection and empowerment. He outlined several measures implemented by the Commission to safeguard consumer rights, including the establishment of consumer education outreach programs, a toll-free contact center, and channels for lodging complaints.
Furthermore, Dr. Maida urged telecom consumers to prioritize the linkage of their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to their SIM cards, citing critical national security concerns. He emphasized the Commission’s directive for telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose NINs are not linked to their SIM cards by February 28, 2024.
Dr. Maida expressed gratitude to the organizers of the trade fair for providing a platform for engagement and collaboration. He encouraged participants to leverage the opportunities presented at the event to deepen their commitment to sustaining economic recovery through the promotion of local content in the telecommunications sector.
The NCC Pavilion at the exhibition ground was highlighted as a resource for attendees to learn more about the Commission’s activities and engage with representatives of service providers.
The address by Dr. Aminu Maida at the Kaduna International Trade Fair serves as a rallying call for stakeholders to unite in driving economic growth and innovation within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
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