The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is taking steps to execute its commitment towards ensuring better communication in Nigeria.

Mr Babagana Digima, Head, Digital Economy Department, NCC, who was representing Mr Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, made this reaffirmation at a virtual webinar organised by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) tagged: “Nigeria’s Telecommunication Industry-Post COVID”. Mr Digima said the commission is ensuring accelerated licensing of new spectrum that would usher in new technologies which include 5G, broadband satellite services, high altitude platform services, and others. These technologies, according to Digima, will address infrastructural and service deficits in the commission.

“We will create additional areas of investments with the opening of new spectrum, especially for broadband deployment in both urban and rural areas, and facilitate fibre deployment through initiatives such as the Infocomm.”

“NCC is committed to the provision of infrastructure, transparency and ease of doing business in Nigeria,” he said.

Acknowledging communications challenges faced during the lockdown, Mr Digima added that “Some of the complaints raised by the customers during the pandemic were attributed to poor mobile network signals’ absorption and low internet speed.”

“The immense contribution of the telecommunications industry during this pandemic is undoubtable (sic) because it has managed to keep people connected, informed, entertained and enlightened about the disease which has helped in curtailing its spread.”

“Governments worldwide, especially in developing countries like ours, have since recognised the need for telecommunications’ infrastructure. The pandemic has laid bare the urgency of such interventions.”