The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has tasked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to prepare for immediate and effective implementation of the Fifth Generation (5G) Network policy, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Wednesday last week.
This task was given, when the Management of NCC, led by its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, paid the Minister a courtesy visit in his office at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja.
According to a statement quoting Pantami, which was signed by the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the approval of the 5G national policy, which was a product of extensive and wide consultation, “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.
The Minister, who also 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, added that the SVP would be a veritable vehicle to give the needed impetus to the implementation of the 5G plan.
“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 the total implementation of the SVP,” the Minister said.
Speaking earlier, 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.”
While describing the Federal Government’s approval of the 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.