The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) commenced a two-day training program on Thursday for select media professionals, aimed at enhancing their understanding of evolving trends and regulatory advancements in telecommunications and Information Communication Technology (ICT). The training, held in Lagos, is part of NCC’s initiative to keep telecom and ICT reporters up-to-date with industry insights, regulatory strategies, and future prospects.
During the program, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, stated that the training aligns with the vision of the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, to ensure that media partners are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills required for effective coverage of the sector. Mouka highlighted that this initiative was designed to enable reporters to “learn, relearn, and remain updated” on critical developments in telecom and ICT.
One of the training’s key presentations, titled “Overview of the Nigerian Telecoms Industry and the Roles of the NCC,” was delivered by Nwanko Okorie, who elaborated on the Commission’s mandate to protect smaller operators and foster a competitive telecom environment. Okorie emphasized that the NCC’s regulatory measures are essential in preventing monopolies and ensuring fair competition in the industry.
Okorie also provided recent industry statistics, revealing that as of September 2024, Nigeria’s GSM subscriber base stood at 153 million, down from a previous 198 million. She explained that the reduction was a result of the recent SIM-NIN linkage, which led to the deactivation of unused numbers. Additionally, she noted that broadband penetration for 3G and 4G networks is currently at 41.66 percent, and the telecom sector now contributes approximately 16 percent to Nigeria’s GDP—a contribution Okorie described as the country’s “next oil.”
The program featured sessions from senior NCC officials and sector experts, addressing a range of topics, including data journalism, data usage and consumer awareness, connectivity resilience, and Nigeria’s digital economy. The NCC emphasized that the training is part of its commitment to fostering informed reporting that reflects the rapidly advancing telecom landscape in Nigeria.