By Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was warmly welcomed by key players in the telecom industry during a special event hosted by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos over the weekend.
The gathering gave ATCON the chance to introduce Maida to industry leaders and highlight the important role the Association plays in Nigeria’s telecom sector. ATCON’s president, Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, expressed the Association’s dedication to working with the NCC. He pointed out that ATCON has long been an advocate for the industry, helping to create open communication between telecom regulators and operators.
“We’ve always hosted important stakeholders, and we consider the EVC of NCC a key figure in our industry. We’re honored to have him with us today, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration,” Emoekpere said. “ATCON has been in the telecom business for over 30 years, with more than 200 members, and this event is just a way of welcoming the EVC and introducing him to key industry figures.”
**Industry Leaders Share Optimism for Maida’s Leadership**
Several members of ATCON voiced their full support for Maida’s leadership and shared their optimism about the future of the industry. Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centers, spoke about Maida’s goals for the industry, which he believes will create significant growth opportunities. He encouraged others in the industry to take full advantage of these opportunities.
“There are challenges, but with Maida’s leadership and continued cooperation, we’ll overcome them quickly,” said Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, Managing Director of VDT Communications.
Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, MD/CEO of TECNO Mobile, praised Maida for giving tech companies a chance to make a real difference in the lives of Nigerians. “We’ve been providing smartphones that are changing lives, and we’ll continue to offer affordable devices for all Nigerians. We look forward to more support from the NCC,” he said.
Miss Funke Opeke, MD/CEO of MainOne, also commended Maida for his leadership and said she was excited about what the future holds for the collaboration between ATCON and the NCC. “We’re optimistic about the positive impact this partnership will have,” she said.
Mr. Lekan Balogun, MD/CEO of Net Access Systems Limited, stressed the need for better internet connectivity, especially for young entrepreneurs and startups. “A lot of new businesses need better connectivity to grow. EVC, you have a great opportunity to help transform the nation,” he said.
**Commitment to Industry Growth**
In his response, Dr. Aminu Maida reassured everyone that the NCC is committed to working together to make sure Nigeria’s telecom industry remains strong and sustainable in the long term. He acknowledged that there are challenges, but he emphasized that the NCC is actively working on policies to address these.
“Thank you all for your support,” Maida said. “We understand the challenges you face, and we’re doing everything we can to develop policies that will keep the sector healthy for the future.”
Maida pointed out that the telecommunications industry is vital to Nigeria’s economy, contributing 14% to the country’s GDP. “We aim to increase this to 25%. The President understands how crucial digital infrastructure is to Nigeria’s future,” he said.
He also spoke about the need to balance the interests of both the industry and consumers. “We have a responsibility to both sides. It’s important to make sure everyone is treated fairly,” he explained.
Maida also noted the need to improve connectivity in Nigeria, as a large portion of the country’s mobile connections are still on 2G networks. “There’s a lot of work to do, especially with Mobile Network Operators and equipment manufacturers,” he said. “The President recognizes how important digital infrastructure is for Nigeria’s future.”
In conclusion, Maida thanked the industry for their ongoing support and urged continued collaboration. “Let’s keep having open and respectful conversations to ensure a better future for Nigeria’s telecom sector,” he said.
