The Nigeria Communication Commission has expressed its commitment to supporting local content saying it has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
On Sunday, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, stressed the importance of a strong local content value chain, highlighting its potential to generate economic opportunities, foster technological advancement, drive job creation, and enhance skills development within the nation.
Maida represented by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the Commission NCC, at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair delivered a speech titled “Sustaining Economic Recovery through Deepening Local Content Value Chain”
He added that it was extremely important, as 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.
In his words: “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.
“In line with our commitment to supporting local content, the NCC has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
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“The Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in our Digital Economy Department and our Research and Development Department, encourages local manufacturing and assembly of telecommunications equipment, promotes local software development, and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth.
“The Commission has sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy.”
The EVC also said in 2023, three winners emerged in three critical thematic areas of innovations; Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance; Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.
He added 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.
“We believe that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain.
“As we participate in this trade fair, we urge all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content.
“By working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.”
Maida in the statement also added “It may interest you to know that as at Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5% (Source – Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report, November 2023 – A publication of the National Bureau of Statistics)”
