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Experts on Thursday emphasised the need to revitalise the country’s educational system through the application of technology and innovation as key ingredients for its transformation.
They gave the advice on Thursday at the fourth edition of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) African EduTech Conference with the theme: “Africa’s Edutech Model: Reshaping You for The Future”.
Ms Bisi Adeyemi, President, NBCC, noted that 91.3 per cent of the world’s learning population was impacted by the global shutdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adeyemi said the development meant that about 1.5 billion students were not in school, largely impacted developing nations, a lot of which are in Africa.
She noted that the pandemic which she described as an unexpected global event caused a huge shift in the way Africans accessed learning tools as the majority of schools had to adapt to the learning-from-home education model.
All these, she explained, reawakened the quest for transformative education that stands on the tripod of digitalisation, education financing and the future of work; supported by a responsive policy environment.
“This is the only way to guarantee a future-focused African society that we all will be proud of.
“This is as this conference discusses topical issues such as; the African education policy, school adoption, financing edutech tools and improving the capacity of the workforce through internships beneficial to the growth of the Nigerian education sector,” she said.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said that COVID-19 pandemic had further revealed the extent of mankind’s dependence on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as modern species.
Danbatta, represented by Prof. Ismail Adedigba, Director, Research and Development, NCC, stated that new and emerging technologies were fast reshaping different sectors of the country’s economy and that the education sector was not left out.
He noted that recent years had witnessed the proliferation of different EdTech solutions aimed at facilitating teaching, learning and research in Nigeria.
Danbatta emphasised that the provision of quality education services especially in the 21st century was vital to bridging the digital-literacy divide and lay the knowledge-foundations for Nigeria’s transition to a fully digital economy.
“We recognise the role that ICT plays in the education space and have emphasised that telecoms and ICT are necessary catalysts that can effectively propel the advancement of other sectors of the Nigerian economy as well as facilitate socio-economic growth and development,” he said.
Danbatta said the commission had demonstrated its commitment to promoting the education sector through interventions such as the Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPT).
Others, he said, include the ongoing Tier-4 Digital Industrial Complexes (DIC) across the six geopolitical zones, yearly hackathon and innovation competitions aimed at addressing emerging socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria.
“There’s also the national essay competition, telecommunications-based research innovation grants to lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions, among others.
“The future is now and we must constantly innovate to be at par with global technologies and trends, Nigeria is truly blessed with young and bright minds who have the ability to make lasting impacts,” he said.
Mr Seyi Adeyemi, Chairman, Learning, Education and Training Committee, noted that African countries had been battling to measure up to advanced countries due to concomitant challenges.
These challenges, Adeyemi said, were tied to improperly managed education sector, social security issues and jaundiced government policies, among others.
He noted that African nations wading through the demands of the 21st century, without education built on technology and collective responsibility to make it work, would make the future of an African child a mirage; particularly in the post-Covid-19 era.
“The main objective of the conference is to reawaken the quest for transformative education that stands on the tripod of digitalisation, education financing and the future of work; supported by a virile policy environment.
“This is the only way to guarantee a future-oriented African society that all the stakeholders of the continent will be proud of,” he said.
Dr Femi Majekodunmi, Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board, Ogun, noted that problems associated with improving learning were still very much there.
He said that funding via individual philanthropy, blue chip companies, private sector and government efforts was very critical to revitalising the education sector.
Majekodunmi, however, called for commitment to the eradication of corruption to achieve all that the education sector set out to do.
Mr Oluwafemi Apena, Country Director, Unicaf, stressed the need for progressive collaboration to handling products that would shore up the education sector of the country.
He pushed for the public-private partnership model where companies, private institutions come together with the government to create solutions and infrastructure for the sector and manage the delivery of those solutions.
“One single infrastructure from technology can solve problem for the whole continent.
“Tech initiative are not location bounds and so anyone anywhere can partake from such innovation to improve the educational situation of the country.
“As part of the above, there’s the need for more functional open universities assisted by technology to address the challenges of out of school numbers,” he said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
NAN) Executive Vice Chairman(EVC) of Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta said technology-driven telecommunications industry has contributed $70 billion to Nigeria’s economy.
Danbatta said that the industry had provided over 500,000 jobs in the public and private sectors and improved the lives of millions of Nigerians.
He made this disclosure in his keynote speech at a Cyberchain event in Abuja while speaking on the topic: “Using Technology to grow Nigeria’s GDP”.
Danbatta said that the impact of technology to the nation in any society had been tremendous.
Danbatta, who was represented by the Principal Manager, Digital Economy, Mrs Ella Eli highlighted that Nigeria’s adoption of 5G, e-commerce, Fintech and Big data had boosted the country’s revenue generation capacity.
According to him, “Nigeria’s adoption of digital technologies has enabled it to diversify its revenue and economy, created jobs, improved services and efficiency, reduced wastages, and optimised resources available”.
“Telecommunications has contributed over $70 billion to the Nigerian economy, provided over 500,000 jobs in the formal and informal sectors, and improved the lives of millions of Nigerians.
“Most Nigerians today cannot comprehend life without mobile phones.
“Presently, the liberalised telecommunications sector has brought with it, instant messaging, instant information, financial inclusion, telemedicine, smart farming, e-Commerce and virtual learning, however, the best is yet to come.
“The benefits of technology are endless and with technology becoming affordable, accessible, and available, these benefits will increase tremendously”.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Convener, CyberChain, Abuja, Jude Ozinegbe, said Nigeria was currently moving in the right direction towards embracing the gains of the tech ecosystem.
He said: “We are moving from Analogue to digital, some people seem to have been left behind, that is why we have decided to gather leaders in the space to educate us.
“We have leaders in this space that have seen the possibility and opportunity in this ecosystem.
“This is my contribution to expanding the digital economy in Nigeria.
As much as you can, contribute something positive about the space to amplify the good tidings within the ecosystem.
”
Ozinegbe said with proper knowledge of Blockchain, Nigerian youth can earn by using their cell phones and data.
On his part, a Crystocurrency Investigator, A and D Forensic, Adedeji Owonibi urged Nigerian youth to embrace the gains of Blockchain technology.
Speaking on the topic, “Blockchain Forensics and criminal elements:, Owonibi said a better dimension had been added to Blockchain and Digital technologies in Nigeria with the participation of the government.
He said: “If you are a criminal within the blockchain space, you could do anything in Nigeria, however with our coming and government involvement, we all have a part to play in bringing sanity in the sector.
”
Owonibi said that decentralisation was a blessing for the ‘good guys’ in the blockchain sector, while a bad thing for those using it criminally.
He called for responsibility on the part of Nigerians in a bid to harness Blockchain opportunities.
“If you have any business in blockchain make sure you are compliant with rules and be crypto security conscious”, he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that blockchain technology is a decentralised, distributed ledger that stores the record of ownership of digital assets.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Nigerian Governors have assured the Federal Government of their full cooperation on the Right of Way (RoW) issue to boost the nation’s digital economy drive.
Mr Godwin Obaseki of Edo gave the assurance during the maiden edition of Broadband Technical Awareness Forum For Governor’s organised by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday in Abuja.
Obaseki said that broadband penetration was very vital to improving ofgovernance in the states, adding that the regulator must create mutual trust for the Governors to key into the programme.
He assured the Minister and the NCC that states are willing and ready to collaborate and work together.
“We need to build more trust.
We have to understand what is going on in states and how they will benefit from internet penetration.
“A few things happened in the past, during COVID-19 MTN wanted to give states like Edo access to more broadband, but they did not get approvals from the regulator.
“When the policy of broadband came out five years ago, states were allocated certain providers, but they did not have capacity.
“For Edo for instance, we decided to bypass the instruction and went to get another deal with a different provider who had capacity that was how we were able to get 400km,”he said.
Obaseki said: “We believe there is so much to offer when we work together as subnational and Federal government.
“But, how we go about it must be of mutual benefit .
There must be openness, trust and put in mind what the states need.
”
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, used the opportunity to once again appeal to the state governors to see beyond the levy on RoW.
Pantami said: “There is need for us to engage our sub-nationals, our Governors, let them understand that the benefits of broadband penetration are beyond the right of way.
“Certain taxes being collected at the Federal Government, which the states are benefiting the same tax are being collected at the state level.
“This is the reason why we engaged them so that they will see the benefits of broadband penetration beyond collection of RoW and other charges, which are obstacles to broadband penetration in their states.
”
He, however, informed them of the benefits of broadband penetration in their states.
“When there is broadband penetration in our states, it will go a long way in supporting our security institutions, entire economy ecosystem, schools, citizens to update daily information and news.
“It is because of this our sub-nationals have a strong role to play.
Particularly when they comply with the agreement I engaged them on the 15th of January 2020 under the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
“And I also engaged the Governors at the National Economic Council.
And at least four different times with the challenge of right of way and multiple taxation,” he stated.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, appealed to the 36 state Governors to cooperate with the NCC and the ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to promote the nation’s digital economy drive.
“When you ask that the journey we have undertaken for almost ten to fifteen years or may be 20 years and the verdict today is, we are making progress indeed.
“But, we should ask ourselves; is that the kind of progress we would like to see?
Or is there room for us to improve what we need to do, in order to reach that destination that we want to reach.
“We must deploy infrastructure in a way and manner that will show inclusiveness.
“We can only achieve this dream by appealing to their excellencies spearheaded by the Edo Governor that he should please cooperate with NCC, the Minister and promote digital economy,” he said.
He, however, said that leading broadband infrastructure nations were those with the highest GDP per capital in the global broadband infrastructure ecosystem.
“These are countries with GDP per capita of between 50-60 thousand dollars.
“We can only better manage our environment when we put broadband infrastructure in place.
And above all, we will be able to meet our sustainable development goals.
“There is no goal that doesn’t have ICT component in it, that ICT component can only be accomplished if commensurate broadband infrastructure is put n place”.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Federal Government says it will soon provide a conduit masterpiece in every part of the country that will give future provider easier and cheaper installation of their services.
Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said this at the 4th Edition of Policy Implementation Assisted Forum(PIAFO) on Wednesday in Lagos.
Pantami said the idea tagged: National Dig Once Policy would enable future network providers install fiber by threading it through the existing conduit.
Pantami, in his address called: Laying the foundation for ubiquitous broadband for Nigeria’s economic breakthrough, said the policy would encourage infrastructure sharing among stakeholders.
The minister, who was represented by Engr Usman Ali, Deputy Director in the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), said the “Dig Once” would discourage regular digging in the country.
The minister said that the synergy would promote seamless installation of fibre duct for effective broadband and reduce the barriers to Internet service providers.
According to him, Dig Once Policy promotes safety of citizens, reduces traffic congestion on the line and allows comprehensive planning.
The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta also represented by Engr Usman Ali, said that NCC as the coordinating agency would ensure the policy was obeyed to the later.
Danbatta said that hopefully, by the end of the year, the policy would be unveiled.
Mr Olabode Ojo, Director, Fibre Operations, IHS Nigeria said that the policy would protect newly and recently paved roads and sidewalks and enhance the uniformity of construction.
He said that it would ensure efficient, non-duplicative placement of infrastructure in the Public Right of Way.
Mr Chidi Ajuzie, Group Chief Operating Officer, WTES Project Limited, said the collaboration would develop an ecosystem of trust among providers.
According to Ajuzie, it will support digital inclusion initiative, internet speed increase, price per data unit decrease, and increase data traffic competition.
Mr Omobayo Azeez, Lead Executive, PIAFO said that the summit was necessary to boost Nigeria’s digital economy drive.
Azeez said that to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration target by 2025 required an ecosystem of willing and united stakeholders.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Women in Technology (WITIN) on Saturday celebrated rural women farmers for their contributions in food production and urged them to embrace technology for food security.
The Convener, Women in Technology (WITIN), Mrs Martha Alade, said that the celebration was to bring women to the table for their voices to be heard.
Alade said that it was also to commemorate the International Rural Women’s Day with women farmers from Badagry.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, said at the event in Lagos that rural women farmers should leverage technology to boost food production
Danbatta said that Telecommunications and Information Communications Technology (ICT) pays a role in bringing efficiency in food production.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oct 15. has been set aside by the United Nations as the International Rural Women’s Day.
The EVC was represented at the event by Mrs Oladoyin Aiyenitaju.
The theme of the programme is: “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All.”
The EVC said that modern agricultural technology increases employment, efficiency in production and time and cost reduction.
‘’Today, telecommunications industry plays a crucial role in providing the requisite support for the diversification of the economy through improving the knowledge economy using ICT as an enabler.
‘’Today telecommunications has enhanced human capabilities in areas such as health, education, agriculture, finance, transportation, commerce, governance,’” he said.
The EVC said that understanding the important role played by the ICT in bringing efficiency into food for people in rural areas especially the rural women, cannot be overemphasised.
He said that the NCC under the supervision of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is committed to digital inclusivity.
He decried the low representation of girls in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies across the world.
Danbatta stressed the need to encourage more girls and strong women to actively pursue career in STEM to bridge the extant digital divide.
He said that the NCC has set up Public Access Point and ICT Training centre connecting all universities, colleges and hospitals.
The EVC also congratulated the ITU Secretary–General elect, Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, for her participation at the event and on her appointment as the first female Secretary-General.
Bogdan-Martin, in her goodwill message, promised to help the rural women to have safe and meaningful quality living access to women farmers.
She said that the theme of this year International Day of Rural Women’s Day was apt because of the role played by women in the world.
According to her, technology is helping women farmers in monitoring crops , predicting weather conditions as well as combating agricultural pest.
Bogdan-Martin said that she would be working with the NCC to fight gender inequality.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sensitised consumers on telecom services and reassured of the full commercial launch of Fifth Generation (5G) in Nigeria.
The commission made this known at the ‘NCC Day’, held at the 17th Abuja International Trade Fair, Convention Centre, on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the trade fair, which commenced on Friday has as its theme: “Creating an Export-Ready Market Through SME Digitalisation “.
The Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said that 5G network would bring substantial network improvements, higher connection speed, mobility, and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities to communications services in Nigeria.
Danbatta, represented by Mr Efosa Idehen, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, said that one of the licensees had launched the commercial 5G network on Sept. 18 in Lagos.
“The deployment will start from the state capitals and gradually extend to other areas across the state.
“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 one of the licensees has kicked off commercial launch in Lagos.
“Already, spectrum licences for the companies that will rollout service had been issued,” he said.
Danbatta said that NCC would provide a level-playing ground for operators to thrive, promote investment and delivery of innovative services to individual consumers, SMEs and big business owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experience.
Earlier, the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Efosa Idehen, said that the commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, accessibility, affordability and sustainability for all categories of consumers.
Edehen, represented by Mr Clement Omeife, Head, Consumer Protection and Advocacy, NCC, said that the commission was working to resolve issues of incessant complaints on data depletion, among others.
“Currently, the commission is working on resolving the issue of incessant complaints on Data Depletion, as well as Fair Usage Policy on Unlimited Data Plan.
“Others are compensation policies of Service Providers and the hidden Terms and Conditions that apply to services in the industry,” Omeife said.
Mrs Doris Usman, a consumer, commended the NCC for bringing such gesture to the consumers and explaining to their understanding.
“I thank this commission for coming all the way to give us this awareness on telecom services and how we can use the opportunity to leverage on it,” she said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigeria Communication Commission(NCC) says it plans to generate over N500 billion as revenue for the Federal Government from the auctioning of two 5G spectrums in 2023.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, said this at an interactive meeting on 2023-2025 MTEF-FSP, organised by the Senate Committee on Finance on Monday in Abuja.
Danbatta said that the commission had already initiated the bidding process for auctioning of the spectrums.
He said that NCC generated N257 billion in the first quarter of 2022, saying N195 billion out of the amount has been remmited to government coffers.
Danbatta said from April to August, N318 billion was generated by the NCC, out of which N214 was remmited.
According to him, the fund realised was occasioned by the auctioning of two 5G spectrums at the rate of N263 million and N273 million dollars.
He said NCC from 2017 to 2021 has also generated N799 billion and remmited 423 billion to government.
On broadband penetration in Nigeria, he said it stood at 44 per cent, saying that about 150 million Nigerians have access to the Internet, with over 80 million having access to high speed internet.
According to him, the target was to hit 75 per cent penetration in 2025.
He said the the commission was hopeful of achieving 50 per cent penetration by the end of 2022.
He advised Nigerians to make use of the 112 emergency national number to report cases of emergency like fire outbreak, accidents and toll free number 622 to lodge complaints on drop calls.
The Chairman of the Committee,Sen.Solomon Adeola said the Senate would continue to encourage NCC to improve its revenue generation profile to the government.
Adeola said that the expected NCC revenue in 2023 would help reduce the deficit proposed in the 2023 budget.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has partnered with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to tackle criminal activities bedeviling the telecoms industry in the country.
NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Muoka, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Muoka said that senior management staff of NSCDC in the South West Zone had at an exclusive workshop organised by the commission hailed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sealed between the two government agencies.
Muoka said criminal activities such as telecom equipment vandalism and fraudulent registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, among others, were going to be looked into.
He said topical issues discussed at the workshop covered the activities of NCC as presented by the relevant departments in the context of laws, other regulations and in relation to the roles of NSCDC.
He said the Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the commission had over the years worked with relevant law enforcement agencies towards protecting telecoms sector from all kinds of criminality.
“Through despicable activities that are criminal and totally at variance with national security concerns of government.
“The deviant elements in our midst have been acting to undermine efforts put in place to consolidate the gains of the sector.
“These criminal activities include theft and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, the illegal use of fraudulently-registered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards, operating without license, illegal call masking and so on,” he said.
Danbatta said that the workshop was organiised as part of efforts to constantly engage and update them on new trends and existing regulations.
He said this required concerted efforts for their implementation towards enhancing sanity in the telecoms sector.
Danbatta commended NSCDC and other agencies for carrying out raids and mopping up fraudulently-registered SIM cards found in circulation.
The EVC also lauded the agencies for raising the banner of awareness on the need to protect critical national telecoms infrastructure.
Danbatta, represented by Mr Ephraim Nwokonneya, Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, NCC, said the gathering was to explore deployment of enabling laws, subsidiary legislations and extant guidelines to arrest criminality in the sector.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC)of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta says Nigerians have a duty to protect telecommunications infrastructure in the country.
Danbatta said any vandalism made by individuals affects the quality of telecommunications services from service providers.
He made this known at the 2022 edition of Youth, Civil Society and Stakeholders summit on Thursday in Abuja.
The summit was on curbing the disruption and vandalism of telecoms, power, oil and gas, marine, railway, education, health and other critical infrastructure in Nigeria during elections.
The EVC, who was represented by Head, Corporate Communications, NCC, Nnnenna Ukaoha, called for collective action by the youth and community leaders to safeguard critical infrastructure from possible attacks.
He said this would sustain investors’ confidence and economic growth, adding that communication and connectivity were enablers to all sectors of life.
‘‘Communication and connectivity are now rights to every citizen and when you disrupt infrastructure, you are disrupting quality of experience and quality of service.
“What we are saying to Nigerians is to take ownership of infrastructure protection, because, if you vandalise it, it will affect quality of your life, business and everything.
‘‘It can even go to reduce poverty in our society, especially with young people.
“With internet connectivity, your computer can do so many things and turn your life around within seconds.
“Please take ownership of communication of infrastructure within your environment so that your life will improve, it will help cub poverty in rural and urban centres,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, said the force had engaged in series of trainings and execution of strategies to curb incidence of infrastructure vandalism in the country.
Baba, who was represented by Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), in charge of Counter-Terrorism Unit, Mr Iwo Nemi, called for citizens’ cooperation to tackle the menace.
‘The I-G said: ‘We have a role to play, first we engage in pre-during and after election.
“We have been making efforts to ensure peace.
“We need information, technology and support of the media to make sure we protect the critical national infrastructure.
‘‘Security is not for police alone, we need information from people to be able to work effectively.
If you see something, say something.
“Policing is for everybody and it is local.
Those who vandalise the critical infrastructure are our brothers and sister.
”
Baba urged Nigerians to help the police with relevant information and “let us work on them.
‘‘We had series of seminars and workshops where police officers were trained on election management.
“We have done it in Ondo, Ekiti and Osun and we are ready to improve on whatever success we have recorded,” he said.
Earlier, the Director-General for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, Mr Emmanuel Johnny said the roundtable was organised to mobilise stakeholders to create synergy.
Johnny, who was also the convener of the summit said the program was towards the protection of critical national infrastructure against vandalism, particularly during the forthcoming elections.
He urged politicians to set their priorities right and ensure they do not sponsor the youth to spoil critical infrastructure.
“Having observed that numerous infrastructure put in place by Federal Government in harnessing the resources of our nation and in attaining economic growth and development.
“We as patriotic Nigerians, feel it is our civic responsibility to mobilise stakeholders and CSOs to see how we can synergise towards the protection of this critical national infrastructure against vandalism and destruction, particularly during these coming elections.
‘‘We are advising politicians to set their priority very right and do not disrupt infrastructure, focus on their campaign, not to sponsor the youth to spoil critical infrastructure during elections.
‘‘From here, we are moving zone by zone, state by state to create synergy with traditional and youth leaders.
“We are calling on people to report any vandalisation in their area,” he said.
Jonny called on the National Assembly to create National Infrastructure Trust Fund, to help government raise funds with support from companies to protect and maintain these infrastructure.
He also called for the establishment of a commission to look after the National Critical Infrastructure.
“We feel government alone cannot do this without the support of the private sector,”he added.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it will soon introduce registration fees on Type Approved telecommunication devices and Short Codes.
The commission made this known at the opening of a three-day public inquiry on draft of Telecom Regulations and Guidelines review on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this is coming after the Federal Government planned to implement a five per cent inclusive Value Added Tax (VAT) on telecommunication services.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the review became necessary due to current realities in the industry.
Danbatta said that it had become imperative to amend all five existing regulatory instruments to reflect current realities.
”
According to him, the regulatory instruments being reviewed cut across all sectors of the telecommunications industry.
“The Type Approval Regulations provides a framework for the approval of communications equipment for connection to communications networks in Nigeria.
“It is pursuant to sections 130 to 134 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
“The guidelines on Short Code Operation is intended to prescribe a standard of practice for providers of short code services.
“It will also provide a revised framework for the provision of these services and for the protection against misuse.
“The third instrument, being the Guidelines on Technical Specifications for the Deployment of Communications Infrastructure,” he said.
According to him, it provides standards to be adhered to by Communications service providers towards ensuring environmental safety and sound engineering practices.
“The fourth instrument is the Guidelines on Advertisements and Promotions.
“It provides minimum requirements and standards for promotional advertisements by licensed telecommunications operators in Nigeria.
“Finally, the fifth instrument, which is the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, amongst other, sets rules for consumer protection .
“It prescribes the procedures to be followed by a Licensee in preparing approved consumer codes of practice, in accordance with section 106 of the Act,” Danbatta said.
He said that the NCC had also introduced Business Rules for Type Approval to address issues that cannot be catered for in the regulations and ensure that the Type Approval process is seamless.
The EVC said that the Broadband penetration in Nigeria increased by 91.70 per cent in the last four years, with more than 84 million internet subscriptions in the country.
“It is our expectation that this review will improve the standards and procedures for Type Approvals, Operation of Short Codes and Advertisement and Promotions,” he said.
Mr Nwanze Ononye, Principal Manager, Technical Standards and Networks Integrity Department, said the type approved telecom devices and short codes for consumers used to be free.
“What the commission is introducing that was not there before is payment for Type Approved Telecom devices and Short Codes, which used to be free,” he said.
Head, Telecoms Laws and Regulations, Legal and Regulatory Services Department, Ms Helen Obi, said that Public Inquiry was an avenue for the NCC to incorporate the comments and suggestions of industry stakeholders.
Obi said this would help in the development of its regulatory instruments.
“This process ensures that the regulatory instruments issued by the commission are in line with the current realities in the industry,” she said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
