Danbatta receives Platinum Award for NCC’s contributions to national development

*Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, dedicates the 2023 Platinum Award of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering to the NCC staff for their commitment to his vision of promoting regulatory excellence to sustain the Nigeria Digital Economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), at the weekend in Lagos, lifted the 2023 Platinum Award of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering (NAEng.) for his leadership of the West African country’s telecoms regulator.

ConsumerConnect reports  Prof. Danbatta Wednesday, June 21 received the award at this year’s Annual Technology Dinner of the Academy for NCC’s contributions to the growth and development of engineering profession for the technological and economic development of Nigeria.

NCC has done NAEng and the profession proud: President

Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, President of NAEng, commenting on the award Vincent Maduka, doyen of engineering and former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), presented to the telecoms regulatory Commission, said the NCC deserved the award.

Onwualu noted the Commission had done the profession proud in its telecoms regulatory process and promotion of engineering as reflected in its strong support for the NAEng.

Presenting the award at the event, the NCC noted Maduka said: “Prof. Danbatta has contributed immensely to the sustainability of all initiatives of the professional body, just as his role to the development of engineering profession in general is being felt in Nigeria, through his effective regulation of the telecommunications sector.”

Danbatta, a Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, who is a member of Council and Fellow of NAEng, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation to the illustrious Institute for considering the Commission worthy of the award.

EVC/CEO applauds NCC staff for support

Mr. Reuben Muoka, arpa, fnipr, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, disclosed the EVC/CEO dedicated the NAEng award to the ‘hardworking and diligent staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission.’

According to Danbatta, the   personnel of the telecoms sector regulator have continued to demonstrate commitment to supporting his vision to promote regulatory excellence towards sustaining growth of the Nigeria Digital Economy.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman also stated: “I could not have done the good work you credited me with, without the support and cooperation of NCC staff.

“We are delighted that the public is watching, listening and observing what we are doing, and a testimony to this fact is the Platinum Category Award we have just been given by the apex engineering body in the country.”

He further said: “I want to assure the public that the NCC will do whatever it can, within its mandates, to bring out impactful initiatives that will drive the digital transformation process that will ultimately make telecoms services pervasive and affordable to all parts of the country.”

Some aspects of Commission’s regulatory excellence, by Danbatta

Danbatta as well took the opportunity to speak about some of the initiatives of the Commission that have struck a rhythm in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

These, the NCC Chief said, include the one targeted at the Nigerian youths across the country where the Commission trains the youth, provides them with laptops and other equipment that can make them access the Internet with a view to equipping them to develop their skills and earn a living.

Danbatta, therefore, assured Nigerian telecoms of the Commission’s commitment to driving digital connectivity aimed at bridging extant clusters of access gaps in the country’s ecosystem.

He said: “We have a target of 70 percent broadband penetration by 2025, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP).

“We are around 50 percent currently, and I can assure you that we are hopeful that we will achieve and surpass that target.”

About the Nigerian Academy of Engineering

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering was established to pursue excellence in science, technology and engineering as well as provide a national platform for experts to harness their experiences, insights, and make inputs into public and private technical policy in the country.

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