Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized the importance of fostering the indigenous content value chain in the country as a catalyst for economic recovery and growth. Speaking at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna, Maida called upon all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the concept of promoting local content. He highlighted the alignment of the trade fair’s theme, “Sustaining Economic Recovery through Deepening Local Content Value Chain,” with the Commission’s principles and objectives for advancing local content development in the telecoms industry.
He said: “The Commission is fully committed to the advancement of local content and the overall development of the Nigerian economy. We recognize the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth.
Reaffirming commitment, he assured that the telecoms regulator remains dedicated to cultivating an environment conducive to the flourishing of local content and innovation within the telecommunications industry. Emphasizing its significance, he highlighted that the promotion of local content aligns closely with one of the pivotal focuses of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
He said: “We cannot overemphasize the fact that robust local content value chain will not only create economic opportunities but also contribute to technological advancement, job creation, and skills development within the country.
“In line with our commitment to supporting local content, the NCC has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.
“The Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in our Digital Economy Department and our Research and Development Department, encourages local manufacturing and assembly of telecommunications equipment, promotes local software development, and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.
As part of action plans to promote indigenous talents and solutions, Maida said the Commission had sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy.
“In 2023, three winners emerged in three critical thematic areas of innovations: Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance; Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas,” he recalled.
He encourage the participants at the fair to uphold ethos of promoting locak content.
“As we participate in this trade fair, we urge all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content.
“By working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.
“It may interest you to know that as at Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5%.”
The week-long Kaduna International Trade Fair, organized by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), featured a special address by the NCC boss during the NCC Special Day on Tuesday.
