Shittu inaugurates NCC board, tasks members on quality service delivery

The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has inaugurated the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Inaugurating the board in Abuja, Shittu urged the new board to ensure telecommunications service improves across the country.

The Minister stated that the implication of the inauguration is that there is now shared responsibility, especially when it comes to decision making on the sector by the commission, saying it will no longer be a single person dictating, but all actions will be subjected to approval from the board.

While charging the new nine-man board to be active in their duties, the Minister, who is worried by the downward slide in oil revenue in the international market, said attention has been shifted to non-oil revenue to sustain the national economy..

“Attention must shift to other critical sectors that can re-galvanize our economy. Consequently, leveraging on telecommunications and information technology is now obligatory”, Shittu said.

Shittu explained that the many years of telecoms revolution in Nigeria have been quite rewarding although more still needs to be done by the stakeholders, “in order to continue the auspicious march toward fully transforming Nigeria into a truly digital and knowledge-based economy.”

According to him, a National ICT Roadmap has been put in place with a commitment to refocus the Telecoms sector as an enabler for sustainable development.

This he said, will enable the country optimize opportunities for wealth and job creation as well as increase revenue generation for government.

Shittu stressed that the world is increasingly being technology-driven and ICT remains a key driver of the economy of all progressive nations.

The Minister told the board members led by Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye that during this national assignment, “you should selflessly contribute your rich experiences to shape the development of the industry.”

Apart from Durojaiye, the other members of the board include Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), Sunday Dare (Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management).

The non-executive Commissioners include Clement Omeiza Baiye and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.

Responding on behalf of the board, Durojaiye thanked Mr. President “for giving us the opportunity to serve our nation. We want to assure the President and members of the public that by the grace of God we will not disappoint the nation.”

Durojaiye added that the board members would try their best to ensure a level playing ground for operators in the industry and ensure they play the game according to the rules.