ITU: Shittu, Danbatta, Others To Scout For Investors
…As NCC Unwraps Next Move
By Pelumi Olaleye
Nigeria’s Pragmatic telecommunications gurus would focus on attracting new investors to the much sought broadband segment of the sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission has disclosed.
The Nigerian delegation would be led by Communications Minister, Barr Adebayo Shittu, the Chairman of NCC Board, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Nigeria’s Chief Telecoms Regulator and Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta Industry Stakeholders; Operators; Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) other players would be part of the high level delegation to this year’s event.
According to NCC, these new investors would deepen Nigeria’s quest for pervasive broadband whose penetration level currently stands at 22 per cent.
“Riding on the crest of the successes the country recorded in the South Korea-hosted International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World 2017, Nigeria’s planning committee for the 2018 edition of ITU Telecom World holding in Durban, South Africa, September 10-13, 2018 has been inaugurated.
“The theme of ITU Telecom World 2018 is “Innovation for smarter Digital Development”.
In a statement signed by NCC Director, Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo, expressed that Prof. Danbatta presented Nigeria’s position at a dinner for ITU Secretary General, Mr. Houlin Zhao, officials of the global regulatory bodies, ministers, regulators and global dignitaries in Geneva Switzerland.
Prof. Danbatta told the high profile audience that Nigeria is one of the highest financial contributors to ITU in the African region and is a major player in ITU Telecom World activities for many years and therefore solicits for support towards its aspirations.
Ojobo also disclosed that 2018 ITU Telecom World is an election year for the annual event.
Said he: “Nigeria will be contesting for two positions: the ITU Administrative Council and the Director, in charge of the Bureau for Telecommunications Development (BDT) which Mr. Williams Ijeh is contesting for.
“In 2017, NCC won the Most Valuable Partner for its commitment and participation at ITU Telecom World events over the years, while Nigeria got a Certification of Appreciation for the ITU Telecom World 2017 National and Thematic Pavilion as well as loyal participation and supporters of the yearly ITU Telecom World events over the years.
“Nigeria also won government award for being the government with the most innovative Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) included as part of the nation’s pavilion”. Adding that no fewer than five SMEs/Innovators made the final ITU Global list for SMEs/Innovators awards. Three of them made the honours list.