The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) applauded the Ondo State government for its dedication to deploying broadband infrastructure through the Odua Infraco and urged other governments to join the initiative to make the service accessible to their residents.
Following the recent Broadband Technical Awareness Forum (BTAF) that the Commission recently hosted for State Governors in Abuja, a delegation from Ondo State led by the Chairman of Ondo State Information Technology Agency, SITA, Olumbe Akinkugbe, visited the Commission to seek advice on how to enjoy seamless broadband deployment in the state..
On behalf of Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, and Director of Legal and Regulatory Services of the Commission, Josephine Amuwa welcomed the delegation. She applauded the visitors for their prompt pursuit of the program and gave them assurances about the Commission’s commitment to meeting milestones in the deployment of broadband infrastructure in the State.
“We consider the meeting a watershed in our efforts at transforming Nigeria into a major digital hub in Africa, through transforming all the states of the Federation. We are particularly elated by the fact that your request for this engagement came on the heels of the Broadband Technical Awareness Forum (BTAF) organized by the Commission, for which we received a very positive scorecard from you,” she said.
Amuwa listed the challenges impeding the progress of broadband infrastructure deployment including Right-of-Way issues; indiscriminate charges and levies; hostilities by local communities; among others.
Consequently, a tripartite committee to discuss the Ondo State Government plan with the Odua InfraCo, and the Commission, was set up to deliberate and harness mutual benefits; and to recommend the best ways to drive the actualization of such mutual benefits to the nation, the State and citizens. The committee is to report to the Ondo State Executive Council through NCC’s EVC on monthly basis.
The collaboration particularly targets how to use Information Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver more government services and simplify government operations.
