By Leshi Adebayo
Following the approval of the National Policy on 5G technology deployment in Nigeria, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to prepare for immediate and effective implementation of the policy.
Pantami gave the order during a courtesy visit to his office by the Management of the Commission led by its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Danbatta.
“The next big task ahead of the Commission is to begin immediate implementation to push forward the country’s march to the increased digital transformation of the economy,” he said.
The minister commended the Commission on the launch of its Strategic Vision (Implementation) Plan (SVP) 2021-2025, the ‘NCC Global Connect’ podcast and compendium of EVC speeches and presentations, adding that the “SVP would be a veritable vehicle to give the needed impetus to the implementation of the 5G plan.”
He said, “The NCC needs to ensure total implementation of the SVP. We should try to have timelines and ensure to deliver on them.
“Developing the Vision Plan is commendable but ensuring diligent implementation is even more important. So, the EVC should commit to total implementation of the SVP.”
Pantami, speaking about the podcast, said, “I see it as important because we need more sensitisation as a digital communication channel. We need to reach out to citizens and create awareness about our regulatory activities, change certain perceptions and counter some conspiracy theories against technologies and many more. The podcast is one of the best ways we would be able to achieve this.”
On the other hand, Danbatta said the purpose of the visit was to “appreciate the Hon. Minister for his immense support and active role during the recent launch of three projects by the Commission; and to commend him for the important role he played in securing the final approval of the 5G national plan by the Federal Government.”
Describing the Federal Government’s approval of 5G national plan as “a development of unprecedented and profound historical significance to the Commission, telecom industry and other economic sectors,” Danbatta assured of NCC’s determination to diligently implement the 5G plan for the overall socio-economic benefits of Nigeria.
