The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has described the annual Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content EXPO (NTICE) as a gathering of industry players that embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, collaboration and progress.
Prof. Danbatta, who stated this in his opening remark at this year’s edition recently in Lagos, also noted that NTICE presents a remarkable opportunity to celebrate and showcase Nigeria’s achievements in the world of telecommunications, and technology, as well as indigenous content creation and adoption.
“As we delve into the heart of NTICE 2023 via the Expo, Pitch and Panel sessions, we are called upon to recognize the transformative power of domestic innovation and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the digital future of nations, their economies and their futures. NTICE is not only an exhibition but it is also a gathering of industry players that embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, collaboration and progress,” he said.
He noted that without any doubt, the Nigerian Telecoms Sector is amongst the biggest contributors to the socio-economic growth of the country, as evidenced by the numerous achievements of the sector, where it was instrumental to lifting Nigeria out of recession with 12.45% contribution to the GDP in Q4 2020 with the figure rising to 14.13% as at Q1 2023.
According to him, the Nigerian telecommunications sector is worth celebrating as it is home to two (2) of the most valuable listed companies in Nigeria with a collective market capitalization in excess of N10.45 trillion.
He explained that the NCC created the Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Commission to drive the National Policy for Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector in July 2021, adding that the Office was given four areas of focus: Manufacturing, Human Capacity, Research & Development (R&D) and Software & Services development for the telecoms sector.
“Today, I am happy to inform you that NTICE is one of the achievements of NCC through NODITS because it has served not only to promote Pillar number 5 (Strategic Partnering) of the Strategic Management Plan SMP 2020- 2024 of the Commission but has also become the flagship indigenous content event for the industry,” he added.