The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has announced plans to unveil a Strategic Plan for the Commission and the telecommunication sector by the end of January 2024. The disclosure was made during a courtesy visit by the executives of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), Abuja Chapter, to the NCC office on Wednesday.
Dr. Maida expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the NCC. He highlighted the importance of collaborating with the media to ensure a fair representation of the sector’s developments and challenges.
The EVC emphasized the guiding principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) and the Strategic Roadmap outlined by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. He assured Nigerians of an improved quality of service by telecom operators and solutions to challenges related to Right of Way (RoW).
Dr. Maida specifically mentioned the Subscribers Identification Modules (SIM) linkage to the National Identity Number (NIN) Policy as a measure to enhance and secure digital services in the country’s telecoms industry. He urged collaboration with the media in achieving a seamless development of the sector.
He stated, “At the end of January, we will be releasing our Strategic Plan for the NCC and, by and large, for the industry in line with the RHA. But there are also areas we have started work.”
Addressing the Right of Way issue, Dr. Maida urged a shift in the narrative from focusing on charges to opening up and allowing infrastructure, citing positive developments in states like Edo and Kaduna.
The EVC also highlighted ongoing efforts to link the NIN to SIM cards, emphasizing the long-term benefits of tying everyone to a unique identity for the development of digital services and enhancing security.
The President of NITRA Abuja Chapter, Blessing Olaifa, commended Dr. Maida for his proactive approach since assuming office, expressing confidence in his ability to drive the institution to greater heights.
Other NCC officials, including Barr Adeleke Adewolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Engagement, Engr Ubale Maska, Commissioner, Consumer Affairs, and Dr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs, also acknowledged the media’s contribution to the telecoms sector development.
