Telecommunications: 14% Contribution to GDP Proof of Sector Resilience – Maida Speaks ATCON | Technology | Business

The Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, has said the telecommunications industry, which contributes 14% to Nigeria’s gross domestic product, is serving the country well.

Dr Maida made the remarks on Friday evening in Lagos during a reception organised in his honour by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

Recognizing the challenges facing the industry, EVC said that while Nigeria has close to 200 million connected lines, more than half of them operate on 2G technology.

“There is therefore a lot of work to be done, especially in addressing the challenges facing MNOs (mobile network operators) and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in terms of long-term sustainability.”

Thanking ATCON for the reception in his honor, EVC said: “I feel like I have known you for centuries. I want to thank you very much. I know the challenges are serious, but we are looking at them, working with the minister. The industry is performing well for the country, contributing around 14% of GDP.

“You have my assurance that as a regulator, the NCC will always listen and do the right thing. Please continue in the spirit of the conversation. Let’s see this as a partnership for a better industry,” he added.

Earlier, ATCON members took turns showering praise on EVC.

The procession was led by Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON, who thanked EVC for adopting an open-door policy that allowed players to get closer to the Commissioner.

He expressed confidence in EVC’s leadership style to address the complex challenges plaguing the industry.

The new highway is digital

Also saying, Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centers (OADC), he said

“The changes taking place in this sector are crucial to fundamental changes in the country. There are many challenges ahead, but the new highway is digital. We need a collective approach to address our challenges and we trust that your regulatory competencies (respected across Africa and beyond) will address these challenges to improve our economy.

Biodun Omoniyi, CEO/Chief Executive Officer, VDT Communicationshe said:

“We are glad that EVC is among us. Indeed, there are challenges across the country, but ours is unique. However, with EVC at the helm of affairs, we stand ready to work with you to realize your visions for the sector. Collaboration is key.”

Commenting, Mr. Chidi Okonkwo, Managing Director of TECNO Mobile, he said:

“TECNO is happy to be in this country to touch the lives of Nigerians. We will continue to deliver affordable devices with the quality they expect from us. TECNO has been recognized by the NCC as one of the most compliant OEMs in the country. We could not have achieved this without the support of the NCC and the industry advocacy group ATCON.

In words Nihinlola Mary Fafore, Senior Customer Service Manager at Huawei Nigeria,

“It is a great honor to be here and witness EVC’s active engagement with ATCON and all operators. Huawei has been in the country for 25 years. We are always ready to cooperate with the regulator to achieve the country’s digital transformation goals.

“This year has been difficult for everyone, but Huawei has its destiny in the country and will continue to support EVC’s vision to lead the industry to the next level.”

Ike Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty (Nigeria)also commented:

“EVC’s cooperation with the telecommunications sector was fruitful. It is therefore not out of place to formally welcome EVCs to the industry. We are looking forward to further orders that will translate into fruitful results in the industry.

Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne, an Equinix company, he said:

“Thank you for taking the time to be with us tonight. ATCON has been an active participant in the programme to move Nigeria forward, particularly the telecommunications sector. Under your administration, we will look at strategies and outcomes that will benefit Nigerians”

Maida’s golden opportunity to transform the Nigerian telecommunications industry

Lekan Balogun, NetAccess system, also commented:

“One thing is special about this meeting: the people who are transforming the nation are gathered here. I recently spoke to a group of young people who are building applications and rely on connectivity (provided by the telecom sector) to leapfrog their solutions.

“EVC, you have a unique opportunity to change the face of our country as many people now depend on connectivity to be able to work from home and contribute to the development of the country.”

When I was called, Mr. John Nwachukwu, CEO of Zoracom he said,

“NCC is a productive government agency that we are proud of. That is why we are glad that you (EVC) are leading the affairs of this Commission at this moment in the development of our nation.”

Mohammed Rudman, CEO of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), also described EVC as a “silent conqueror. So we’re happy you’re EVC. We are optimistic about your leadership abilities to lead the industry towards a sustainable future. I’m just playing for you to listen to the captains of the industry who are always here to support you.”

…an increase from 14% to 25% of the country’s GDP

Getting on the podium, Wale Abu, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, he said:

“When I was appointed EVC, I did a quick Google search and was impressed with your credentials. EVCs now control about 14% of the country’s GDP.

“You have made a good start by taking the initiative to meet with the captains of the industry. The NCC has been an accessible Regulatory Commission, which is a credit to the management. Hopefully, during your term, the industry’s share of the country’s GDP will increase from 14% to 25%.

The highlight of the event was a toast to EVC by Mr. Chidi Bisi, CMO of BroadBased Communications and the presentation of a gift to EVC by ATCON members. See the photo below:

According to the National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria, the nominal GDP of the ICT sector increased from N7.1 trillion in the third quarter of 2023 to N8.4 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2023, followed by an “exemplary decline” to N7.9 trillion in the first quarter of 2024

The nominal value of GDP in the telecommunications and information services sub-sector in Q1 2024 was approximately N6.2 trillion, which is higher by 10.81%. than in Q3 2023 and also higher compared to Q1 2023 when it amounted to N5.6 trillion.