NCC promotes indigenous content for economic growth

By Cynthia Ezekwe. 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed its commitment to  foster economic growth and promote home grown solutions through the promotion of indigenous content.

The  commission made this known at  the recently concluded second edition of the  Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE) 2023, tagged ‘Harnessing Indigenous Content for Economic Growth; Networking to boost Investment, where it  noted that NTICE is the  only telecom event in Nigeria that is solely focused on indigenous content promotion, development and adaptation.

Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC,in his opening address, said, “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.’’

Danbatta, who was represented by Ubale Maska, NCC’s executive commissioner, technical services, emphasised that the  transformative power of domestic innovation plays  pivotal role  in shaping the digital future and the economy of the country, adding that the Nigerian telecoms sector is amongst the biggest contributors to socio-economic growth of the country, as evidenced by the numerous achievements of the sector.

He stressed the need to  embrace indigenous content and value creation within the telecoms value chain,  in  order to sustain and further improve quality of service and quality of experience in telecommunications services in Nigeria, adding that the commission is fully committed to the drive of the federal government to place the Nigerian economy on a sustainable pedestal through all the necessary policies put in place.

“When we created the Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) as a special purpose vehicle under the commission to drive the national policy for promotion of indigenous content in the Nigerian telecommunications sector in July 2021, the office was given four areas of focus: Manufacturing, Human Capacity, Research & Development

(R&D) and Software & Services development for the telecoms sector,’’ Danbatta said.

The vice chairman explained that  NTICE is one of the achievements of NCC through NODITS and has also become the flagship indigenous content event for the industry.

Danbatta disclosed further that the NCC has also incentivized the manufacturing of Corrugated Optical Duct (COD) that will be used to protect fibre infrastructure from the incessant cuts experienced by  service providers.

He also noted that the commission is equally committed to continuously supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Innovators to promote talented young persons and ventures through angel investments, R&D support, exposure to investors and sponsorship to local and international tech events.

Danbatta highlighted that NTICE is  a place to nurture and support the burgeoning talent pool within Nigeria, explaining that showcasing indigenous innovations and providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs not  not only nurtures local talents but also encourages a culture of entrepreneurship and creativity that will propel Nigeria onto the global stage of technological leadership.

“By promoting indigenous content, we are not only fostering economic growth but also asserting our autonomy and self-reliance in the digital realm. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, let us remember that our progress is intrinsically linked to our ability to harness the power of indigenous innovation, leverage technology for positive change, and ensure that no one is left behind on this transformative journey,’’ the NCC executive vice chairman noted.

On his part, Babagana Digima, team lead, NODITS, described the NTICE as an avenue to celebrate the rich tapestry of ideas, talents, and innovations that define Nigeria’s telecom industry.

“This event stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering homegrown solutions that not only drive economic prosperity but also propel us towards a future brimming with endless possibilities,’’ Digima said.

 Digima noted that the key to unlocking the immense potential in the digital world  lies in the nation’s ability to harness the wealth of indigenous content, leverage its  unique perspectives and talents, and to channel them towards the greater good.