*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the West African country’s re-election into the International Telecommunication Union’s Council will advance its collaboration for efficient implementation of the Union’s programmes to foster universal use of Information and Communications Technology

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that the Commission’s vast experience as a long-standing member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has served as a booster in its effective implementation of the Federal Government’s digital economy policies.

The telecoms regulatory Commission said such experience had equally stimulated the NCC regulatory initiatives focused on advancing听 digital transformation in the West African country.

L-R: Ibrahim Galadima, Head of International Affairs, Special Duties Department at NCC; Maryam Bakari, Principal Manager, Finance; Stella Irabor, Head of Internal Audit; 听and Ifeoma Uzochukwu, Senior Manager, International Affairs of NCC, in Geneva

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) disclosed this development while addressing global actors in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry at the ongoing session of the ITU Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

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绿帽献妻 reports the international event in-person is holding at the ITU March 21-31, 2022.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Friday, March 25, noted Prof. Danbatta, while speaking at the Council session, said the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the important role ICT would continue to play in ensuring peace, security and prosperity around the world.

The EVC/CEO of the Commission said: 鈥淚t is as a result of the enabling experiences in the ITU ecosystem that Nigeria continue to be active and forward-looking regarding the activities of the ITU as the leading organ of the United Nations (UN) in the area of IC.鈥�

Danbatta also stressed as a long-standing member of Council, Nigeria has utilised ICT as a driver of socio-economic development not just for the country, but also for the benefit of the sub-region and the continent.

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He stated this feat is hinged on the NCC’s role as a founding member and flagship promoter of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA).

In underscoring the strategic, symbiotic relationship between Nigeria and ITU, Danbatta further said: 鈥淥ver the years, as a member of ITU, Nigeria has chaired World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)-15; chaired ITU Council Standing Committee on Administration and Management (SC-ADM), in 2019 and 2022; as well as chaired the Ad-Hoc Committee on ITU Regional Presence.鈥�

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The NCC Chief said that 鈥淣igeria had also chaired ITU-Standardisation (ITU-T) Study Group 20 Regional Group for Africa; served as Vice Chairman, ITU-T Study group 20;听 served as Vice-Chair, ITU-T Study Group 12; Vice-Chair, ITU-Development D Study Group 2; as well as provided Financial Support to ITU Headquarters Building, among others.”

On successful auction of 3.5GHz spectrum band for 5G networks

According to Prof. Danbatta, this robust experience in ITU has continued to enable Nigeria, through NCC, and was particularly instrumental in the recent management of a globally-acclaimed transparent auction of Fifth Generation 5G networks licence December 2021.

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Others are the country’s attainment of 40.88 percent Broadband penetration as of December 2021, and implementation of robust financial inclusion initiatives, as well as promotion of universal access across institutions and communities in the country through the NCC鈥檚 Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

鈥淎ll these were made possible through the successful launch and implementation of policies to foster use of ICTs across all sectors and enhance a digital economy.鈥�

The EVC/CEO as well took the opportunity of the Council session to announce Nigeria鈥檚 intent to seek re-election into ITU Council during the forthcoming Plenipotentiary Conferences.

READ ALSO: Danbatta Restates NCC鈥檚 Commitment To Broadband, Consumer Protection, Digital Economy

According to Danbatta, having Nigeria re-elected will help the country to continue to collaborate with and support ITU鈥檚 development agenda, ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Union’s resolutions, implement inclusive programmes to foster universal use of ICT, and provide focused and strategic partnership.

He stated: 鈥淲e look forward to a robust Council session and subsequent support for Nigeria during the forthcoming elections.鈥�

About ITU and Plenipotentiary Conference

The ITU is governed by the Plenipotentiary Conference and the Administrative Council. The Plenipotentiary Conference is the supreme organ of the Union.

It is the decision making body which determines the direction of the Union and its activities.

The Council also acts as the Union鈥檚 governing body in the interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences.

Its role is to consider broad telecommunications policy issues to ensure that the Union’s activities, policies and strategies fully respond to modern dynamic, rapidly-changing telecommunications environment.

This year’s ITU Plenipotentiary Conference is scheduled to hold from Monday, September 26 to October 14, 2022, in Bucharest, Romania.

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