NCC hosts successful talk-to-the-regulator forum, promises innovation, growth in Teleco sector

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) recently held the highly anticipated “Talk-To-The Regulator” Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, signalling a significant step forward in advancing the country’s telecom industry.

Telescope.ng reports that the event, which had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances in 2022, finally took place, bringing together industry experts, stakeholders, and NCC licensees to discuss critical issues and explore new trends.

The NCC, in line with its commitment to engaging with licensees and stakeholders, organizes these forums as platforms for fostering open dialogue and gathering valuable insights to enhance industry development and improve regulations and services for telecom consumers.

The Yenagoa forum provided an opportunity for the NCC to extend its sympathies to the people of Bayelsa State and the entire nation for the devastating flood disaster that struck the region.

The NCC expressed hopes that the state had made adequate preparations to mitigate any future occurrences while reaffirming its dedication to supporting the nation in times of need.

Undoubtedly, the telecom industry has experienced remarkable milestones, driven by rapid technological advancements that are reshaping service delivery and generating high expectations among stakeholders.

Recognizing the need to stay abreast of these developments, the NCC has implemented measures to enhance regulations and adapt to the industry’s rapid progress. Notable interventions and responses by the NCC include:

Facilitating the Roll-Out of 5G Service Provision: The NCC has actively supported the introduction and expansion of 5G networks, ensuring that Nigerians can benefit from the latest technological advancements.

Introducing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) License: To bridge the gap between underserved and unserved areas, the NCC has introduced the MVNO license, promoting wider access to quality telecom services.

Reviewing License Scope and Structure: Recognizing the importance of staying relevant, the NCC is currently reviewing the scope and structure of its existing licenses, aiming to make them more robust and adaptable to emerging industry trends.

Pursuing Broadband Penetration Targets: Aligned with the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020-2025), the NCC is taking industry leadership to achieve 90% broadband penetration by 2025 and surpass 50% by the end of 2023. Remarkably, more than 150 million Nigerians currently have access to the internet, with over 80 million enjoying high-speed connectivity.

The “Talk-To-The Regulator” Forum serves as an inclusive platform for non-discriminatory interaction between licensees and the NCC, facilitating one-on-one discussions on various industry issues that are both pertinent to licensees and of national importance. The event welcomed licensees with open arms, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation.

During the two-day session, participants engaged in fruitful discussions and explored measures to enhance investment opportunities and service delivery. The NCC encouraged attendees to ask questions, provide feedback, and propose solutions to address any concerns raised during the interactive sessions.

The success of the “Talk-To-The Regulator” Forum in Yenagoa reflects the NCC’s unwavering commitment to driving growth and fostering innovation within Nigeria’s telecom sector. By actively engaging stakeholders and prioritizing their needs, the NCC continues to shape a thriving industry that caters to the evolving demands of consumers nationwide.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, FNSE, FRAES, FAEng, FNIEE, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Communications Commission, expressed his gratitude to all participants for their attention