The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maina has urged all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content.
He asked them to do that by working to create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.
According to the EVC as of Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5% quoting the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report, November 2023 – A publication of the National Bureau of Statistics.
He counselled that “as we promote economic growth through the development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction…we, therefore, encourage businesses and service providers to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service delivery.”
He made the speech on the special occasion of the NCC Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on February 27 with the theme, “Sustaining Economic Recovery through Deepening Local Content Value Chain”.
The theme of the fair, he said, it resonates deeply with the principles and objectives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the promotion of local content development in the telecoms industry.
He the Commission is fully committed to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy and it recognizes the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth.
Maina added that the NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for the telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this is one of the most critical thrusts of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
“We cannot overemphasize the fact that robust local content value chain will not only create economic opportunities but also contribute to technological advancement, job creation, and skills development within the country.” he further said.
According to him the Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), is committed to the assembly of telecommunications equipment, promoting local software development, and supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth.
He said the NCC has continued to prioritize consumer protection and empowerment, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality telecommunications services and are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities and believes that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain.
