5G Technology: Nigeria positioning for $13.2trn global economic value, 22.3m jobs –NCC

*The Nigerian Communications Commission, at the 2023 Talk-To-The-Regulator, in Bayelsa State, explains how the recent deployment of 5G services has positioned the country to benefit from 5G technology $13.2 trillion global economic value and 22.3 million jobs in the value chain by 2035

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Following its successful allocation of slots of 3.5GHz band spectrum and subsequent activation of the new technology by three telecoms operators, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the West African country is now positioned to benefit from 5G technology services resulting in $13.2 trillion in global economic value by 2035 and generating 22.3 million jobs in the 5G networks global value chain.

ConsumerConnect reports Barr. Adeleke Adewolu, Esq., Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM) at NCC, said this in his speech delivered at the two-day 2023 Edition of the “Talk-To-The-Regulator (TTTR) Forum, held June 1-2, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Adewolu noted that this year’s TTTR Forum was in tandem with the Commission’s

strategic objective to facilitate strategic collaboration and partnership with critical

stakeholders in the industry.

Earlier in his Keynote Speech at the Forum, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, said the telecoms sector regulatory Commission had continued to create opportunities to interact with its licencees on industry issues and new trends via stakeholder fora.

A cross-section of participants in the TTTR Forum at Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa 

Danbatta noted the TTTR Forum was essential, and organised with a view to gathering relevant information that would further advance the development of the industry.

The NCC Chief also said this year’s edition would help in improving regulations and service delivery to telecoms consumers in Nigeria.

The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at NCC, also aligned with Danbatta’s and noted: “The essence of the forum is to create awareness about the activities of the Commission

as a Regulator and also obtain feedback from critical stakeholders on how the industry affects their daily lives as well as the role of the Regulator in enhancing same.

“It also serves as an educational platform where misconceptions about the Commission and its processes are explained.”

Implementing the Nigeria Digital Economy agenda

Adewolu also stated the Nigerian Communications Sector had proved to be pivotal to the growth and development of the national economy.

According to him, the significant sector “has continually ensured that the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government is established on solid foundations.

“It has also proved to be the catalyst for entrenching the activities of both the public and private sectors in the digital space, seamlessly.”

The ECSM further explained that the  Communications Sector of the country’s economy is, indeed, the pacesetter sector as far as the expansion of the frontiers for national development is concerned.

He said this fact was further buttressed by the recent deployment of the 5G services in Nigeria.

We believe this will ensure that Nigeria maximises the benefit of the 4th Industrial Revolution while being sufficiently prepared for any attendant risk that may occur, noted Adewolu.

He as well quoted “a market study has shown that the deployment of 5G Technology Services will result in $13.2 trillion in global economic value by 2035, generating 22.3 million jobs in the 5G global value chain alone.

“Thus, the Commission has played an effective role in placing the nation at a vantage position in order to reap these benefits.”

He also disclosed that the  exponential growth of the telecoms sector is largely attributable to effective policies, legal and regulatory frameworks implemented by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Objectives of TTTR Forum

Barr. Adewolu said the 2023 TTTR Forum was a veritable opportunity for critical industry stakeholders to share their respective challenges, experiences and also suggest viable solutions to the NCC as the Regulator.

He said: “Constant engagement with the Regulator is the path towards regulatory efficiency as it preserves the integrity of the regulatory instruments issued by the Regulator whilst securing the buy-in of all stakeholders.

Recently, the Commission issued a regulatory framework for the licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria as well as the requisite licence for such services, and this has witnessed significant interest from prospective investors.”

According to him, the New Market Entrants in this category could leverage the growth and infrastructure in the telecommunications industry, and it is particularly, attractive to investors due to its low cost of entry in terms of capital expenditure.

Adewolu urged the stakeholders to seek clarifications from the Regulator, especially as they related to understanding regulatory obligations to the consumer, and their collective responsibility to the sustainability of the industry.

“I encourage you to garner as much as you can from this forum… to freely make contributions and raise issues that would assist the Commission in coming up with adequate regulatory measures that would enhance development in the communications sector of the economy.

“We assure you that every view expressed would be respected and duly considered.”

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