An estimated 47 base stations sealed in Ogun State have been
effectively unsealed courtesy of the intervention by the Executive Vice
Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar
Garba Danbatta, reports ITRealms.
Affirming this to ITRealms, the Head, Public Relations at NCC, Mr.
Reuben Muoka quoted the EVC as revealing this after a closed door meeting with
the state governor, Mr. Ibikunle Amosun recently in Abeokuta, however, noted
that the development would positively impact on the access to telecommunication
services in the state.
According to Danbatta, “We have also succeeded in resolving
a contentious matter leading to sealing of 47 base transceiver stations in Ogun
State. These are going to be unsealed immediately. And this would enhance, of
course, the challenge we have of providing telecom access in the state.”
Also, the professor of telecommunication engineering expressed
satisfaction with the assurances given by the governor in tackling the concerns
of multiple taxations and right of way, which are among the non-technical
factors conspiring to degrade quality of telecommunication services in the
country.
“The assurances given
by His Excellency is to ensure adherence to resolution of the National Economic
Council on multiple taxation. We have heard him. Something is going to happen.
There’s lot of excitement for infrastructure deployment in Ogun State,” Danbatta
said.
Further, Danbatta had urged the Governor Amosun to enlist
the support of other members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to ensure
adherence to the provisions of NEC’s resolution, which takes care of the
concerns of multiple taxations and Right of Way, among others.
“Indeed, Your Excellency, the resolution of the NEC of March
21, 2013 properly addressed the problems of multiple taxation, levies and
charges on ICT infrastructure with a view to providing a lasting solution.
Incidentally, these resolutions are largely honored more in the breach than in
their observance hence the precarious situation has not changed,” he explained.
In his response, Governor Amosun applauded Danbatta for what he described as his giant strides,
since assuming the leadership of the commission, stressed the significance of
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the development of the
country, saying that his administration will key into these development for the
benefit of the citizenry.
Chuks Egbune/GEE
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