A stakeholder group in the Nigerian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry has showered encomiums on the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, for his remarkable leadership and the unprecedented achievements in the nation’s telecom sector.
The stakeholders, under the aegis of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), noted that under Danbatta’s visionary leadership, the Telecom sector has witnessed unpresidented transformation, surpassing previous records to emerge as a beacon of progress in the country.
In a statement, National Chairman of NITRA, Chike Onwuegbuchi, said Danbatta’s eight-year tenure as the EVC 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.
The ICT group 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 financial impact of the sector is undeniable, 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.”
The group particularly identified Danbatta’s bold move to embrace 5G technology as one of the key achievements, positioning Nigeria as an early adopter in the global digital economy.
According to the statement, this strategic decision resulted in the generation of $820.8 million revenue for the federal government from 5G spectrum license fees paid by leading operators.
“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,” Onwuegbuchi said.
The ICT group highlighted the remarkable growth telephone usersin the country to 159.5 million, internet subscribers, 218.9 million, and broadband users, 88.7 million under Danbatta’s stewardship, noting that these figures, along with the creation of numerous jobs, have underscored the sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development.
According to the group, Danbatta’s unwavering commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and active stakeholder engagement has set a powerful precedent for success.
The statement acknowledged the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, regulatory complexities, and power supply issues.
Meanwhile, the ICT community has 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.
They consider Danbatta’s leadership as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and visionary leadership.
“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.
“His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey,” said Chike in the statement.” The statement further read.
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