THE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has said that the nation’s robust telecommunications regulatory environment, guarantee of Returns On Investment, ROI, and investors’ renewed confidence in the fast growing sector will form part of the country’s narrative at the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, Telecom World 2017. The yearly global event hosted by the ITU will hold in Busan, South Korea from September 25 – 28, 2017. Since 2001 when Digital Mobile Licences, DML, were issued by the NCC, the country has witnessed multiplier effects in social and economic development.

Tony Ojobo, director, public affairs, NCC, said telecoms services are now available to everyone unlike the pre-GSM era when only 500,000 lines were available to a population of nearly 90 million from an investment profile of about $50 million.  Teledensity was about 0.01 percent. Internet connectivity was a nightmare. But the story has since changed.

“There are over 150 million active subscribers now. Internet connections are over 90 million and teledensity is well over 100 percent. There is over $80 billion invested in the sector so far with over 70 percent of it as Foreign Direct Investment, FDI. The investors have never known a better yesterday. So, as Nigeria’s delegation berths in Busan, South Korea, the narrative will be endearing as the country beckons on more investors especially in broadband internet,” he said.

Ojobo said existing and potential investors will want to hear the cherry news of a robust regulatory agency, the NCC, which has carried out its regulatory functions in line with global best practices, stakeholders’ engagement, among others. He said the ITU Telecom World 2017 is a global platform for major industry players, Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, Countries and Organisations to network and share ideas about new developments and technologies that would lead to better connected societies. “It is an event for International visibility of innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Products/Services and solutions from around the World.

Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications, will lead the country’s delegation which will include the chairman of the board of commissioners of NCC, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye; chief regulator and Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman, EVC, NCC; key industry leaders and players among others.

Aug 8,2017 @ 11:00 GMT