Telecoms: $5bn Required To Effectively Implement National Broadband Plan
…As NCC Engages Stakeholders On NNBP Provisions
About $3.5b to $5billion is required to effectively Implement the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025.
This was disclosed by the Chairman, Broadband Implementation Steering Committee (BISC), Engr. Ubale Maska,
at the First Stakeholders Consultation with Industry Players on the implementation of the Plan, Tuesday in Abuja.
Engr. Maska said, “the plan itself says this can be achieved at the cost of between$3.5b-$5billion.”
Speaking further on alternative funding, he said, “we have several options and none is defined yet ; we hope to raise something from the government. But as you can see government has its hands full.
“There are conflicting demands; we don’t know if that will happen. But the infrastructure funds that the CBN is floating is another source and universal service provision Dundas,” he said.
On fears of not having enough capital, he said, “Of course, is there any sector that has enough (funds)? We may not get as much as we want but that’s why all the licensees are also out there in the world sourcing for investments.”
In his brief comment, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta restated the commission’s commitment to the successful implementation of the NNBP 2020-2025.
Represented by Engr. Ubale Maska, Prof. Danbatta recalls that the 30% BB targets set in the previous plan 2013-2018 were met and surpassed due to collective efforts of the industry players.
The NCC boss however, explained that there were some targets that were not met in the previous plan due to various challenges that are once again being addressed as a continuum.
According to him, the importance of BB to our GDP, socio-economic development, and most specially the Digital Economy, cannot be overemphasised therefore, urged the industry players to in their usual manner commit to the attainment of the set goals of NNBP 2020-2025.
Earlier, in his Welcome Address, the Chairman, Broadband Implementation Steering Committee (BISC) and Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Ubale Maska said, the gathering was convened to formally present to the industry, the details of the provisions of the new NNBP 2020 -2025 with expected questions, comments, observations and feedback.
He noted that the main purpose of the consultation was to present the key provisions of the NNBP 2020 -2025: – the set Targets, Pillars, Recommended Initiatives, Implementation Timelines, Responsibility Matrix, Government Structure and the various roles expected to be played by all stakeholders in the implementation of the plan, especially the key industry players.
Represented by the Vice Chairman, BISC, Dr. Usman Abdullahi, Engr. Maska was positive that the discussions would accelerate innovations, industrial growth and sustained sector development.
“I am very positive that discussions here will immensely help in improving our collaborative efforts and actions aimed at accelerating innovations, industrial growth and sustainable development of the telecommunications sector and the Nigerian digital economy in general,” he said.
