NCC hosts retreat for Senate Committee on Communications

In the spirit of tapping into the boundless opportunities that information communication technology, the Nigerian Communications Commission has held a retreat at the Protea Hotel for members of the Senate Committee on Communications.

The event titled “Improving the Socio-economic Development of the Nation through Qualitative Communication Means” was held to provide a platform for the committee to converse with stakeholders and get unique perspectives on the state of ICT in Nigeria and steps that can be taken to maximise its potential.

Held on November 9, 2017, at the Protea Hotel, the event also featured members of the Press and stakeholders in telecoms and legal services.

In attendance were Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, Sen. Gilbert Nnaji; the committee’s deputy chairman, Senator Ademola Adeleke and Senator Mohammed Shittu, a member of the committee.

They were joined by Prof. Cleophas Officer Angaye, former Director General NITDA; Dr M. B. Lawal of Bayero University, Mr Paul Usoro SAN and Mrs Yetunde Akinloye who is Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC.

After the panellists and guests were introduced, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC delivered a welcome address, highlighting the role that communication will play as the country gears towards achieving set targets including the MDGs and the importance of interactions between stakeholders.

As the man at the helm of the NITDA during his most progressive years, Professor Cleophas Angaye took the podium to deliver the keynote address.

He noted that Nigeria’s internet exchange point is now the second largest in Africa.

Under his tenure, the NITDA supported the implementation of various IXPs in cities like Abuja, PH, Enugu and Kano to ensure even and balanced growth in internet penetration, beyond the hubs in Lagos and Abuja.

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Prof. Angaye also spoke of the prospects held in encouraging internet penetration such as the creation of an ecosystem around local content and e-legislation.

Even though there is a local framework for the use of digital signatories (SSN) by banks and other financial institutions created by government bodies, banks prefer to go outside to procure resources.

Prof. Angaye referred to the need to improve cyber-security as the country continues to take advantage of the resources and opportunities present in ICT.

He recommended that a framework for the protection of digital content and intellectual property should be created; government should take advantage of the youthful population to create internet dependent programmes.

After resounding applause, the hall was emptied for the speakers and guests to have lunch.

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Senator Adeleke took questions from members of the press in that time.

Upon resumption, the audience paid vivid attention as Mrs Yetunde Akinloye gave a detailed presentation on the legal implications of Nigeria’s ICT boom and the challenges that may be faced and the prospects for growth.

Mr Paul Usoro SAN and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe also gave talks relating their perspectives on the subject, with Senator Ababribe making a case for and against legislators and the context in which they perform their duties.

Mr Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Online Media and Special Publications at Nigerian Communications Commission told the audience that the NCC hopes to create similar platforms to spur growth and development of telecommunication technology in Nigeria.