The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) successfully hosted the first Talk-To-The Regulator (TTTR) Forum for the year 2023 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The two-day event brought together industry stakeholders and licensees to discuss crucial industry issues and new trends, aiming to enhance development, regulations, and service delivery in the telecommunications sector.
The forum, originally scheduled for 2022, was postponed due to a devastating flood disaster that affected Bayelsa State and other regions. During his keynote speech, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, expressed condolences to the people of Bayelsa State and the nation as a whole for the unprecedented flood disaster. He also commended the state for its preparedness and hoped that such disasters would not occur again.
The telecommunications industry has witnessed remarkable milestones and rapid technological advancements, reshaping service delivery and raising expectations among stakeholders. In response to these developments, the NCC has taken several measures to improve regulations and accommodate the evolving landscape. Some of these interventions include facilitating the roll-out of 5G services and introducing the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license to bridge the gap between underserved and unserved areas.
Furthermore, the NCC is currently reviewing the scope and structure of existing licenses to make them more robust and adaptable to emerging industry trends. The commission is also actively leading efforts to achieve the goals set by the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020 – 2025), aiming for 90% broadband penetration by 2025 and over 50% by the end of 2023. Presently, more than 150 million Nigerians have internet access, with over 80 million enjoying high-speed connectivity.
The Talk-To-The Regulator Forum serves as a platform for non-discriminatory interaction between licensees and the regulator, allowing for one-on-one discussions on industry issues of national interest. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta welcomed licensees to the event, encouraging them to actively engage in dialogue, ask questions, provide feedback, and propose solutions to address concerns raised during the interactive sessions.
The TTTR Forum in Yenagoa represents the NCC’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in the telecommunications sector. With the collective efforts of industry stakeholders and regulators, the Nigerian telecommunications industry is poised to achieve greater heights, ensuring improved investment opportunities and enhanced service delivery for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The NCC remains dedicated to its mandate of creating an enabling environment for robust telecommunications services, promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
