The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged unwavering support to law-abiding investors, particularly Meta (formerly Facebook), for their positive response to Nigeria’s push for investments aligning with the government’s agenda for a robust digital economy.
Speaking to a delegation from Meta – led by the company’s vice-president for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, Kojo Boakye at the NCC’s headquarters in Abuja – the executive vice chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasised that the commission’s support to all investors, including operators in Nigeria, is contingent on their adherence to the rules and regulations governing the sector.
Highlighting the NCC’s commitment to compliance with industry laws, regulations and guidelines, Maida emphasised that such adherence fosters a level playing field for all licensees and stakeholders, ensuring healthy competition and sustainable growth in the Nigerian telecoms sector.
Boakye expressed the purpose of the visit, which was to congratulate the EVC on his appointment and provide updates on the ongoing efforts to land the 2Africa Cable in Nigeria. The 2Africa submarine cable, spanning 45,000 kilometres, is set to become one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects, interconnecting Europe (eastward via Egypt), Asia (via Saudi Arabia) and Africa.
Boakye projected the system to go live in 2023 with a design capacity of up to 180 terabytes per second (Tbps), surpassing the total combined capacity of all subsea cables currently serving Africa.
A statement by the NCC’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, Boakye outlined the significance of the 2Africa cable, stating it would deliver essential internet capacity and reliability across large parts of Africa. He highlighted its role in meeting the growing capacity demand in the Middle East and supporting the expansion of 4G, 5G and fixed broadband access.
Boakye sought the NCC’s support in navigating legal and regulatory processes to land the submarine cable in Nigeria. He disclosed that Meta, through a consortium, plans to simultaneously land the 2Africa cable in Lagos and Akwa Ibom states, aiming to connect those not yet connected and provide enhanced and affordable access for those already connected.
