The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated its commitment to the advancement of local content, saying is a critical driver for economic growth of any nation.
The Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida made this known on Tuesday at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair theme:“Sustaining Economic Recovery through Deepening Local Content Value Chain”.
According to Maida,”We recognize the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth. The NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this is one of the most critical thrust of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
“We cannot overemphasize the fact that robust local content value chain will not only create economic opportunities but also contribute to technological advancement, job creation, and skills development within the country.
“In line with our commitment to supporting local content, the NCC has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector. The Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in our Digital Economy Department and our Research and Development Department, encourages local manufacturing and assembly of telecommunications equipment, promoteslocal software development, and supportsinitiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth.
The EVC urged stakeholders to embrace the promotion of local content.
“Furthermore, the NCC has continued to prioritize consumer protection and empowerment, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality telecommunications services and are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities.
“We believe that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain.
“As we participate in this trade fair, we urge all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content. By working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth,” he said.
The NCC boss further added that, “Conversely, as we promote economic growth through development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction. We therefore encourage businesses and service providers to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service delivery.
“With our keen interest and commitment to consumer protection, the NCC has implemented measures to safeguard the interest of consumers and businesses alike. We have established a robust regulatory framework that promotes transparency, quality of service, and fair competition. Additionally, we have set up channels for consumer redress, ensuring that consumers can resolve disputes in a timely and efficient manner,”he said .
