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Content Development: NCC expresses commitment to sponsor MSMSEs, innovators
In order to fill the gap in the indigenous contents development in the telecommunication sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed its commitment to sponsoring innovators and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises as well as other stakeholders for skill development.
The Nigerian Communications Commission Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska who represented the Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta stated this at the recently held 2023 Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Context Expo in Lagos.
This year’s event themed “Harnessing Indigenous Content for Economic Growth; Networking to boost Investment” commenced with the innovators pitching event called NTICE SELECT, which was carefully designed by the Commission to build on the maiden edition of the NTICE.
In his opening remarks at the occasion, Maska described the exercise as an embodiment of industry players who have the spirit of innovation, resilience, collaboration and progress in the telecommunication sector.
He said, the event afforded opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s achievements in the world of telecommunications technology and indigenous contents creation.
Se\peaking on the contributions to the economy, he said: “It is not out of place to mention that the sector’s performance was instrumental to lifting Nigeria out of recession with 12.45% contribution to the GDP in Q4 2020. This figure increased to 14.13% as at Q1 2023.
“The Sector is also home to two (2) of the most valuable listed companies in Nigeria with a collective market capitalization in excess of N10.45 trillion.”
The EVC recalled that the Commission in 2021 and 2022, generated revenue in excess of USD$820m from the auction and grant of 3.5GHz Spectrum band licences to three operators to boost the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) services in Nigeria.
This generated revenue according to Danbatta has placed Nigeria on the global 5G map ahead of many countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It is also important to note that while Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in telecommunications services in Nigeria have continued to improve, tariffs have remained stable notwithstanding the increase in cost-of-service provision to the telecom operators.
“In order to sustain and further improve Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in telecommunications services in Nigeria, we must embrace indigenous content and value creation within the telecoms value chain, otherwise, increase in telecoms tariff will be inevitable.”
The NCC according to Danbatta 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 Purpose 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.
“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.”
The EVC explained that NCC has also incentivized the manufacturing of Corrugated Optical Duct (COD) that will be used to protect our fibre infrastructure from the incessant cuts experienced by our service providers.
Explaining further, the NCC is equally committed to continuously supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Innovators to promote our talented young persons and ventures through Angel Investments, R&D support, exposure to Investors and sponsorship to local and international tech events.
“Another key achievement of our policies is the ban on importation of whole body SIM cards which was announced at the maiden NTICE event last year.
“This ban has not only eased the burden on our demand for foreign exchange but has also created business in excess of N55bn for the local SIM card manufacturers in Nigeria which in turn has created direct and indirect jobs.”
Nigeria with its rich history of innovation, resilience, and creativity as well as our diverse culture, talents, and perspectives has birthed solutions that uniquely cater for our challenges and aspirations.
According to Danbatta, the NTICE 2023 platform is a celebration of these achievements, a testament to the Nigerian spirit of ingenuity.
Stating further, NTICE is also a place to nurture and support the burgeoning talent pool within Nigeria. By showcasing indigenous innovations and providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs, we are not only nurturing our local talents but also encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship and creativity that will propel Nigeria onto the global stage of technological leadership.
“Having recognized the persistent digital divide that exists within our nation, let us seize the opportunities presented by NTICE 2023 to bridge this gap by advocating for accessible technology and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are extended to every corner of Nigeria.
“This inclusivity is crucial in driving equitable growth and empowering communities to be active participants in the digital revolution.
“We note that in a world that is increasingly interconnected and digital, the concept of technological sovereignty holds immense significance.
This event stands as a beacon of Nigeria’s commitment to taking charge of its technological destiny.
“By promoting indigenous content, we are not only fostering economic growth but also asserting our autonomy and self-reliance in the digital realm.
“The Nigeria Telecom Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE) 2023, is a declaration of Nigeria’s commitment to shaping its digital destiny.
As we navigate this dynamic landscape, let us remember that our progress is intrinsically linked to our ability to harness the power of indigenous innovation, leverage technology for positive change, and ensure that no one is left behind on this transformative journey.
As part of the activities to celebrate the golden anniversary of the University of Calabar, the wife of the President of the Senate, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio was on Saturday, March 22, 2025 conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Education Management.
The ceremony held at the main campus of the institution in Calabar, Cross River State also saw the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike awarded the honorary doctorate degree in Law.
Other awardees included Major General Moses Bisong Obi (rtd) (Doctor of Peace and Conflict Studies) and Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Akomaye Obi (Doctor of Law).
In her acceptance speech after the conferment by the 15th Emir of Kano and Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Akpabio thanked the Governing Council and Management of the University for finding her worthy of the honour.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Mrs Akpabio as saying “I am happy to be honoured with this award from the prestigious University of Calabar that I have heard so much about from my dear husband, an alumnus of this great institution.
“I was wondering when I will join him as a great Malabress and that day has come and I am grateful to the University for this honour,” she said.
Mrs Akpabio promised to work with other awardees especially the Minister of the FCT to provide infrastructural assistance to the university.
In a citation the University extolled Mrs Akpabio for her philanthropic and humanitarian efforts towards uplifting the lives of women and the vulnerable of the society through her non governmental organisation, the Family Life Enhancement Initiative.
She was also recognized as a Champion of women’s rights and as one who used her position as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State to fight for the inclusion of more women in governance.
On his part, Chief Wike said he was honoured to be among the recipients of award. He extolled the Visitor of the University, President Bola Tinubu for working tirelessly to promote tertiary education in the country.
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed disappointment over the declaration of State of emergency in Rivers State, saying it discredits Nigeria’s image.
The declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara packing for six months, while the elected members of the State House of Assembly have also been suspended.
Jonathan stated this while speaking as the Chairman at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja on Saturday.
He said elected officials have been removed from office in a very disappointing manner.
Contrary to Jonathan’s view however, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, expressed support for Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
The party said no responsible government will allow a situation to deteriorate before taking decisive action in the best interest of its citizens.
NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, told newsmen: “President Tinubu is the Chief Security Officer of Nigeria.
“The information available to him as president from intelligence sources may not be in the public purview.
“The government in Rivers was suspended and no one can actually say what would have happened by now, judging from the deepening crisis.
“The crisis was further compounded by some leaders who, instead of offering advice or promoting peace during the turmoil, allowed it to escalate before later stepping in to criticize.”
But for President Jonathan, “These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light.”
He said it was not the norm for former presidents to comment on issues, so as not to heat up the polity.
However, Jonathan said, his comment became necessary after calls from many Nigerians, urging him to speak on the events in Rivers State.
He added that the image of the country and how much investments a country attracts is dependent on the actions of the executive, legislature and judiciary of that country.
Goodluck Jonathan faulted the situation where an individual can dictate to the judiciary, noting that it makes it difficult for anyone to have faith in the judiciary.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed joy over the pace of work at the construction site of the first flyover bridge in Edo State, located at Ramat Park, in Benin City.
The project expected to be completed in 18 months is being executed by the administration of Governor Okpebholo. The project was flagged off in November, 2024, barely one week after Okpebholo assumed office as Governor of Edo State.
The contractor handling the project, Mr. Andy Duan of CCECC told Governor Okpebholo during an unscheduled visit to the site that 20 percent of the project had been done so far.
Duan noted that the construction, which started last year, has reached 20 percent of stage of completion, assuring the people that the company will work according to specifications.
“For this work which commenced in December 2024, we have done seven pillars, underground cross beams and other works are ongoing as we are doing our best to meet up with the construction period,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo, on his part, said he is not sleeping, as he continues to monitor projects cross the State to ensure the jobs are done according to agreed specifications.
The Governor threatened to revoke contracts whose handlers were not working according to specifications and assured Edo people that under his administration, Edo people would benefit from quality infrastructural development.
“We are not sleeping. We go around the State to monitor all our ongoing projects to ensure quality job delivery. Also, to ensure contractors meet specifications.
“For the Ramat Park flyover, the contractor is doing well, and I am impressed with the speed of the job done so far. If they continue with this kind of speed and pace, I believe they will complete the construction at the stipulated time. The materials like the iron being used and other materials are of high quality and standard.
“Inspecting projects across the State is a way for us to know those who are working and those playing with the projects they were given.
“We have gone to some sites, and we are not happy with what we met as some of these contractors are not meeting our targets and not doing the jobs according to specifications. Such contracts will be revoked.
“As an administration, we want to leave a legacy for our people, and we must ensure that we fulfill all our promises made to Edo people. We will continue to inspect and monitor every project to put contractors on their toes to deliver quality jobs according to specifications for the benefit of Edo people.
“I am not happy with the job of one of the contractors working for us and we will invite him on Monday for a discussion and you may hear bad news because the way they are going is not the way a contract should be executed,” he added.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, John Obanor, who accompanied the Governor on the inspection of the flyover, said the project is on track.
He noted that the job is not being appreciated now by people because it is in its early stage, but sooner than later, as the work progresses, it will be appreciated better. He noted that the company handling the project is doing a good job.
Other road projects inspected by Governor Okpebholo included Uteh Temboga road, open drainage at upper Ekenhua road opposite Nigerian Army cantonment Benin City, Upper Ekenhua road and Catholic Charismatic Renewal road Ugbiyoko.
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