ICT group lauds Danbatta’s transformative achievements in Nigeria’s telecoms sector

*Stakeholders under the auspices of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association, have applauded Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of NCC, for his ‘unwavering commitment’ to innovation, regulatory excellence and active collaborative engagements for success and resilience of the telecoms sector of the economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

A stakeholder group in the Nigerian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Industry has commended Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for his remarkable leadership and the unprecedented achievements in the country’s telecoms sector.

The stakeholders came under the auspices of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA).

NITRA noted under Danbatta’s visionary leadership, Nigeria’s telecoms sector had witnessed an astounding transformation, transcending previous limitations and emerging as a beacon of progress.

According to the ICT group, Danbatta’s eight-year tenure as the EVC/CEO of NCC has seen the sector attract staggering $77 billion in investments, catapulting it to the forefront of the West African country’s economic landscape.

NITRA equally lauded the NCC Chief Executive for overseeing a sector that now contributes substantial 16 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a notable increase from its 8 percent contribution in 2015.

The financial impact of the sector is undeniable, with a recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealing a significant N2.508 trillion contribution to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, representing 14.13 per cent, noted the telecoms regulatory Commission.

Deployment of 5G technology positions Nigeria as early adopter in global economy, by NITRA Chair

Chike Onwuegbuchi, National Chairman of NITRA, in a statement, also said one of the key achievements the ICT community has highlighted was Danbatta’s bold move to embrace 5G technology to position Nigeria as an early adopter in the global digital economy.

Onwuegbuchi stated that  strategic decision under his leadership resulted in generating $820.8 million for the Federal Government from 5G spectrum licence fees paid by leading Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

The National Chairman of NITRA further said: “Furthermore, the issuance of a licence to  Elon Musk-owned SpaceX for Starlinks Broadband services, a satellite-based wireless Broadband offering with nationwide coverage potential, has been a game-changer for the industry and a testament to Danbatta’s forward-thinking approach.”

Broadband connectivity, Internet subscriptions under Danbatta’s leadership

The ICT stakeholders emphasised the remarkable growth in telephone users, Internet subscribers, and Broadband users under Danbatta’s stewardship, which has soared to 218.9 million, 159.5 million, and 88.7 million respectively.

These figures, along with the creation of numerous jobs, have underscored the sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development, said NITRA.

The ICT group as well noted Danbatta’s unwavering commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and active stakeholder engagement has set a powerful precedent for success and acknowledged the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges.

These, they noted, include infrastructure vandalism, regulatory complexities, and power supply issues.

The ICT community, therefore, urged the Federal Government to replicate the telecoms sector’s success story in other industries to propel Nigeria into the ranks of the world’s 20 top economies.

They view Danbatta’s leadership as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and visionary leadership.

Meanwhile, as the accolades pour in, Danbatta’s transformative leadership in Nigeria’s telecoms sector serves as an inspiring example of how visionary leadership can drive growth, innovation, and prosperity in the country’s economy.

Onwuegbuchi further stated: “His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”