The Executive Vice-Chairman/Ceo, Nigerian Communications Commission Of National Communication Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta yesterday in Abuja said the number of active mobile subscriptions reached 220,715,961 million as at August 2023, while Teledensity stood at 115.63 per cent at the same period.
He also said that the number of active Internet subscribers was 159,034,717 Million with broadband penetration at 45.57 per cent as at August, 2023.
Danbatta said in this new environment, the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses depends on their ability to leverage on new technologies by acquiring the necessary digital skills to do business on an international scale which will in turn benefits the economy financially.
He noted that, the steady growth of telecoms sector over the years with its pervasive positive impact on all other sectors of the economy in terms of increased automation of processes and digital transformation in service delivery, has been remarkable which however would not have been possible without telecoms consumers who are using the services daily.
He spoke at the โNCC Dayโ during the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by The Abuja Chamber Of Commerce and Industry holding at, Abuja Trade & Convention Centre, Umaru Musa Yarโadua Way Airport Road, Abuja Son October 5th, 2023.
โThe Commission recognizes the fact that telecommunications sector has been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government, as it continues to provide the needed digital stamina to support the economy, especially through technology. It is no longer news that telecommunications empowers individuals, connects businesses, strengthen industries and enable Governments to provide essential services efficiently thereby driving development and prosperity.
According to the NCC boss, Information Communications Technology (ICT) is not only one of the fastest growing industries โ directly creating millions of jobs โ but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development, as it provides the backbone infrastructure for transactional business and taxation for Government. However, maintaining this digital infrastructure and its continued growth necessitates substantial investment.
โAs you may be aware, the NCC is driving initiatives for the full deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria. Already, 5G spectrum licenses have been issued to companies for rollout. It is important to state that the 5G network will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria. I am happy to inform you that licensees have kicked off the commercial launch of 5G network in some cities across the nation.
He said the Commission is working assiduously with various stakeholders including you, the consumers, to see how more businesses can embrace digital platforms for delivering their services to the consumer. As a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud or avoid consumer falling victims of cybercrime antics while in their legitimate use of the Internet.
โMore importantly, it is also our commitment, at NCC, to continue to provide a level-playing ground for operators to thrive, promote investment and delivery of innovative services to individual consumers and business owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experienceโ, added.
In his remark, the Director, Of The Consumer Affairs Bureau (Cab), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mallam Alkasim A. Umar, he said NCC is an Independent National Regulatory Authority that oversees Telecommunication Services in Nigeria. As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.
He noted that the Nigerian Communications Commission plays a critical role in the development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we address the issue of sustainable 3nancing and taxation to ensure its long term viability.
He highlighted the following important roles of NCC<
โConsumer Education Outreach Programmes: These programs include the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), Telecom Town Halls on Radio (TTR), Telecom Consumer Conservation (TCC), Professionalsโ Dialogue, Village Square Dialogue, Television (TV) Dialogue, and Trade Fairs such as this one today, NYSC, Student โ Campuses
Consumer Complaints Management (CCM): The Commission created various channels of lodging complaints which include:
NCC Toll-Free 622 Contact Centre which is available between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily except on Sundays and Public holidays.
Consumer Portal http://consumer.ncc.gov.ng
E-mail: Consumer can send mail to ([email protected])
Consumer X (Twitter) account @ConsumersNCC, Facebook, Instagram
