Executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof. Umar Danbatta has said that the commission’s vast experience as a long-standing member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has helped in its effective implementation of government policies, and in stimulating regulatory initiatives focused on advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Danbatta told global actors at the ongoing session of the ITU Council taking place in-person at the ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 21-31, 2022 that the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the important role ICT will continue to play in ensuring peace, security and prosperity around the world.
“It is as a result of the enabling experiences in the ITU ecosystem that Nigeria continue to be active and forward-looking regarding the activities of the ITU as the leading organ of the United Nations (UN) in the area of ICT,” he said.
Danbatta emphasised that, as a long-standing member of the council, Nigeria has utilised ICT as a driver of socio-economic development not just for herself, but also for the benefit of the sub-region and the continent, given its role as a founding member and flagship promoter of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA).
The NCC boss said this robust experience in ITU was particularly instrumental to the recent management of a globally-acclaimed transparent auction of Fifth Generation 5G licence in 2021; achieve 40.88 per cent broadband penetration in Nigeria as at December 2021; implement robust financial inclusion initiatives; as well as in the promotion of universal access across institutions and communities in Nigeria through the NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
“All these were made possible through the successful launch and implementation of policies to foster use of ICTs across all sectors and enhance a digital economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Danbatta has announced to the council session Nigeria’s intent to seek re-election to ITU Council during the forthcoming plenipotentiary conferences.
