By Seun Adams
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commended the United Kingdom (UK) Government for it’s support to Nigeria in deepening the country’s digital transformation processes.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, was represented at the event by NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, made the disclosure at a Virtual Forum with the theme: ‘Right of Way (RoW) and Planing Permits for Masts and Towers’.
The event was bankrolled by the UK Government’s Prosperity Fund’s Digital Access Programme (UKGPFDAP), in collaboration with the Commission and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
Underscoring the import of the virtual brainstorming session, Danbatta, noted that in maximizing the benefits of digital transformation, resilient telecom infrastructure is the key enabler in delivering ICT services.
The technical conference, had in attendance, Dr. Ibrahim Pantami, who is the supervising Minister of the Ministry, the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, 5 other Governors, UK Government’s Digital Access Programme Adviser and Country Lead, Mr. Idongesit Udo, Stakeholders from the Telecommunication and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
According to him, the dialogue will further provide effective solutions to Right of Way (RoW) challenges that has lingered for over 15 years.
He said: “Input of this conference will assist the government in further reducing the encumbrances bedeviling ICT infrastructure, especially in the provision and building of resilient fixed Infrastructure in the federation.
“Equally, this event will further assist in our quest to deepen broadband deployment and penetration in Nigeria.
Ubiquitous broadband, the EVC underscores will propel social and economic development and growth of citizens, local content development and innovations, the proliferation of ICT industries and the creation of digital skills.
He said the Commission, on its part is ready to collaborate with the UK Government Prosperity Fund-Nigeria Project, especially toward reforming the administration of RoW and planning permits across the country.
“We note, the short, medium, and long-tern actions set up in the report and we will work assiduously to their achievement.
“We also, encourage our service providers to appreciate some of the challenges faced by the state governments and hope this will enable them to collaborate with the state government to effectively overcome the challenges.” Danbatta, said.
He expressed appreciation Commission to the UK Government Prosperity Fund Digital Access Project team for fast tracking the event, while also commending the robust contributions of all stakeholders to Nigeria’s digital transformation processes.
It is the conversation of ideas that will support existing policies and commitment to broadband for all, the EVC, said.