The role the telecom sector played in lifting Nigeria out of recession in 2020 was re-echoed at the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content EXPO (NTICE 2023).
The NTICE is the only telecom event in Nigeria that is solely focused on Indigenous
Content promotion, development and adaptation.
The event themed, “Harnessing Indigenous Content for Economic Growth; Networking to Boost Investment”, had an innovators pitching programme called NTICE SELECT, carefully designed by the Commission to build on the maiden edition of the NTICE.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta said at the event that the telecom sector’s performance was instrumental in lifting Nigeria out of recession with a 12.45% contribution to the GDP in Q4 2020.
He said the figure has increased to 14.13% as of Q1 2023 adding that without any doubt, the Nigerian Telecoms Sector is amongst the biggest contributors to the socio-economic growth of the country, as evidenced by the numerous achievements of the sector.
Danbatta said the Sector is also home to two of the most valuable listed companies in
Nigeria with a collective market capitalization in excess of N10.45 trillion.
He recalls that the Commission in 2021 and 2022, generated revenue in excess
of USD$820m from the auction and grant of 3.5GHz Spectrum band licences
to three operators to boost the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) services
in Nigeria.
The EVC added that Nigeria was placed on the global 5G map ahead of many countries
in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, while noting that while
Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in Telecommunications Services in
Nigeria has continued to improve, tariffs have remained stable
notwithstanding the increase in cost-of-service provision to the telecom
operators.
NTICE is not only an exhibition but it is also a gathering of industry players
that embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, collaboration, and progress.
It presents a remarkable opportunity to celebrate and showcase Nigeria’s
achievements in the world of telecommunications, technology, as well as
indigenous content creation and adoption.
He said NTICE is one of the achievements of NCC through NODITS because it has served not only to promote Pillar number 5 (Strategic Partnering) of the Strategic Management Plan SMP 2020- 2024 of the Commission but has also become the flagship indigenous content event for the industry.
By showcasing indigenous innovations and providing opportunities for
young entrepreneurs, we are not only nurturing our local talents but also
encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship and creativity that will propel Nigeria
onto the global stage of technological leadership.
