The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, announced that telecom investment inflows had increased from $38 billion to $77 billion by the second quarter of 2023.
Speaking during a media chat with industry stakeholders in Kano, he also revealed that the telecom sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product had risen from 8 percent in 2015 to a substantial 16 percent at present.
Danbatta attributed this remarkable growth to the NCC’s consistent regulatory excellence and operational efficiency over the past two decades.
He highlighted significant achievements, such as explosive industry growth, improved regulatory standards, and digital innovation, which have garnered global recognition.
Additionally, he shared key statistics, including 218.9 million telephone users, 159.5 million internet subscribers, and 88.7 million broadband users in Nigeria during the reviewed period.
Danbatta acknowledged challenges like right of way issues, fiber cuts, high capital requirements, multiple taxations, and regulatory barriers hampering broadband deployment, but he affirmed the NCC’s commitment to addressing these issues.
To improve emergency response, Danbatta announced plans to establish an emergency communication center in each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He also mentioned an increase in research grants to universities from N20 million to N30 million, benefiting three universities thus far.
Despite challenges, Danbatta emphasized the NCC’s dedication to providing affordable and accessible telecom services as a driver of the country’s economic progress.
He mentioned challenges such as the destruction of NCC facilities and the multitude of taxes imposed on telecom companies, while reaffirming the commission’s commitment to engaging with the media industry to keep the public informed about its activities.
