A communication stakeholder group on the aegis of ‘Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA)’, has declared that the Nigeria’s telecom sector has witnessed an astounding transformation, transcending previous limitations and emerging as a beacon of progress under the visionary leadership of Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The group in a resounding chorus of commendation, applauded Prof Danbatta for his remarkable leadership and the unprecedented achievements in the nation’s telecom sector, stressing that his eight-year tenure as the Chief Executive of the NCC has seen the sector attract a staggering $77 billion in investments, catapulting it to the forefront of the nation’s economic landscape.
It also lauded Danbatta for overseeing a sector that now contributes a substantial 16 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a notable increase from its 8 percent contribution in 2015.
The ICT stakeholders group noted that the financial impact of the sector is undeniable, adding that with a recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), revealing a significant N2.508 trillion contribution to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, representing 14.13 per cent.
These were contained in a statement by the National Chairman of NITRA, Chike Onwuegbuchi, in which he said that one of the key achievements highlighted by the ICT community was Danbatta’s bold move to embrace 5G technology.
It said that the bold move positioned Nigeria as an early adopter in the global digital economy, adding that the strategic decision resulted in the generation of $820.8 million for the federal government from 5G spectrum license fees paid by leading operators.
He further said; “Furthermore, the issuance of a license to Elon Musk-owned SpaceX for Starlinks broadband services, a satellite-based wireless broadband offering with nationwide coverage potential, has been a game-changer for the industry and a testament to Danbatta’s forward-thinking approach”.
The group also noted the remarkable growth in telephone users, internet subscribers, and broadband users under Danbatta’s stewardship, which has soared to 218.9 million, 159.5 million, and 88.7 million, respectively.
It said that the figures, along with the creation of numerous jobs, have underscored the sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development.
The ICT group said Danbatta’s unwavering commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and active stakeholder engagement has set a powerful precedent for success and acknowledged the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, regulatory complexities, and power supply issues.
It therefore urged the federal government to replicate the telecom sector’s success in other industries to propel Nigeria into the ranks of the world’s top 20 economies.
Chike specifically said that Danbatta’s transformative leadership in Nigeria’s telecom sector serves as an inspiring example of how visionary leadership can drive growth, innovation, and prosperity in the nation’s economy, stressing that his legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
