The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, has vowed to tackle telecommunication operators failing to provide quality service experience to consumers.
He also pledged that transparency would form the bedrock of his leadership as Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator, enabling a solid foundation for building a resilient, accountable, and efficient institution.
Maida recently spoke during a courtesy visit to the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in Abuja while briefing the Minister on his activities, vision, and strategy since the assumption of office in October 2023.
“Transparency is critical. It is by transparency that we can self-regulate even as regulators.
“And by so doing, we would be putting ourselves on our toes, which in the long run will drive the Commission forward to achieve our operational excellence goals,” Maida stated.
He commended the Minister for leading by example and for transparency in his leadership style.
“Honourable Minister, sir, one of the principles you have shown as a leader is transparency in all your activities, and I must say that it is an attribute that has the potential to bring about a transformed industry that is accountable to both the people and the industry players,” he said.
Through the Minister, the NCC boss conveyed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding him worthy of leading a critical sector of the economy.
The EVC told the Minister that the visit is crucial, allowing him to share his vision and priorities for the Commission with the Minister. Maida also said that these priorities were in tandem with delivering on the 5-Pillars of the Strategic Plan unveiled by the Minister.
“I have been on this seat for about six weeks, and it has afforded me the privilege of a bird’s eye view to understand things better and identify areas we urgently need to work on.
“We are conducting an in-depth study and critical review of issues within the industry. One area we prioritize is Quality of Experience,” Maida told the Minister.
“At my meeting with industry leaders, we were unambiguous that quality of experience (QoE) will not be negotiable. The Commission will take compliance seriously, and a standard of what is least acceptable will be set,” the NCC CEO stated.
Maida told the Minister that broadband connectivity is another priority area for him, which he considers the biggest enabler of the digital economy and financial inclusion. He noted that these align with the 5-pillar agenda of the Ministry.
The NCC CEO also reflected on the need to maximize the potential of innovations in some technological evolutions, such as the 5G revolution, to create more industry opportunities and further boost connectivity.
He informed the Minister that a review of internal processes at the Commission is ongoing to engender efficiency and responsiveness of the Commission, including the digitization of most of our operations.
“Under my leadership, the Commission will give priorities to the improvement of our regulatory activities. With this, we hope to see more investors enter Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, with the attendant creation of vertical businesses and increased Foreign Direct Investments, revenue generation, and employment”, Maida stated.
The EVC also said, “In all these, the goal is for the Commission to achieve optimal operational excellence, which underpins the success of all other priority areas that we have set to achieve a significant all-round growth of the telecommunications industry”.
Maida equally recalled his visit to the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos, where he met an institution with vast potential that would be an asset in driving a knowledge-based economy, in line with the “Knowledge Pillar” of the Strategic Plan unveiled by the Minister.
“Consequently, we will be prioritizing the revamp, retooling, and redirection of the Institute towards extracting its optimum value in line with our objectives,” the EVC said.
Dr Tijani, who warmly welcomed the NCC boss, acknowledged the importance and relevance of the telecom regulator in achieving the nation’s digital aspiration.
“The NCC is a stellar agency, and you have my respect for your work. There is no future for the country without the NCC. Already, your quality is good; what we need to do now is tap into this quality to bring about greater value for the country,” Tijani said.