The landscape of Nigeria’s digital connectivity is undergoing a strategic, high-stakes interrogation. In a decisive move to align regulatory oversight with physical reality, the top leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) concluded a high-profile facility tour of major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and infrastructure providers in Lagos, reports ITREALMS.
The delegation, led by the NCC board chairman, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, and the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, visited the nerve centers of MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and Open Data Access (DataCentre), facilitated by Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) led by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.
This tour, ITREALMS also reports was a profound leadership event designed to deepen the working relationship with operators and ensure that the "digital fate" of millions of Nigerians is secured through robust, world-class infrastructure.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Aminu Maida expressed a standard, measured optimism regarding the state of the industry. While acknowledging that Nigerians are "yearning for better services," he noted that the level of investment currently being deployed by operators is significant.
"Improved service requires strong infrastructure," Maida stated. "While we are not yet where we want to be, what I’ve seen today reassures me that operators are continuing to invest significantly."
He appealed for a "standard of patience" from the public as these investments mature to bridge existing deficits.
A critical point of interrogation during the tour was the intersection of telecom infrastructure and national security. Dr. Maida reaffirmed that the recently concluded NIN-SIM linkage policy has created an inescapable framework for accountability.
"Today, every SIM card is linked to a validated NIN," Maida noted. This means that in the event of incidents involving kidnapping or banditry, identities can be traced, and security agencies have standardized access to that critical information.
Stressing that the stronger the infrastructure, the more effectively security agencies can leverage it to protect the standard human rights of Nigerians.
ALSO READ:
Addressing the persistent frustration of dropped calls, NCC Board Chairman, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, provided a standard, technical interrogation of the issue.
He clarified that dropped calls are not deliberate but are usually the result of "fiber cuts, vandalism, or attacks on infrastructure."
To combat this, the NCC is introducing a new accountability framework. Under this plan, any entity including construction firms, responsible for damaging telecom infrastructure will be held financially responsible for its restoration. This move aims to eliminate the "predatory occupation" of public space that often leads to service disruptions.
Furthermore, Dr. Maida confirmed that the directive for operators to compensate subscribers for poor service remains in full effect.
"It is only fair that subscribers are compensated where service falls short," he stated, though he noted that data shows a significant reduction in incidents as the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) program expands.
Chief Olorunnimbe underscored that the infrastructure observed in Lagos is "comparable to what you would find anywhere in the world."
ALSO READ:
He clarified that dropped calls are not deliberate but are usually the result of "fiber cuts, vandalism, or attacks on infrastructure."
To combat this, the NCC is introducing a new accountability framework. Under this plan, any entity including construction firms, responsible for damaging telecom infrastructure will be held financially responsible for its restoration. This move aims to eliminate the "predatory occupation" of public space that often leads to service disruptions.
Furthermore, Dr. Maida confirmed that the directive for operators to compensate subscribers for poor service remains in full effect.
"It is only fair that subscribers are compensated where service falls short," he stated, though he noted that data shows a significant reduction in incidents as the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) program expands.
Chief Olorunnimbe underscored that the infrastructure observed in Lagos is "comparable to what you would find anywhere in the world."
He assured Nigerians that the Commission is committed to deepen network penetration and that Nigeria remains competitive on the global stage.
The chairman noted that reliable service is a mutual interest; for operators, minimal disruptions mean longer usage and better financial returns.
As both a regulator and a consumer, Olorunnimbe expressed his hope for a seamless Easter period with minimal service interruptions.
Remmy Nweke/DoP
The chairman noted that reliable service is a mutual interest; for operators, minimal disruptions mean longer usage and better financial returns.
As both a regulator and a consumer, Olorunnimbe expressed his hope for a seamless Easter period with minimal service interruptions.
Remmy Nweke/DoP
No comments:
Post a Comment