A stakeholder group in Nigeria’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector, the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), has lauded the executive vice-chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta for his remarkable leadership and unprecedented achievements in the nation’s telecom industry.
The group expressed deep appreciation for Danbatta’s visionary leadership, which has propelled Nigeria’s telecom sector to new heights, breaking previous barriers and emerging as a symbol of progress. During his eight-year tenure as the EVC of the NCC, the sector has attracted an astounding $77 billion in investments, positioning it as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic landscape.
The ICT group highlighted that, under Danbatta’s guidance Nigeria’s telecom sector now contributes a substantial 16 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant increase from its 8 per cent contribution in 2015. The financial impact of the sector is undeniable, with recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealing a remarkable N2.508 trillion contribution to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, representing 14.13 per cent.
The national chairman of NITRA, Chike Onwuegbuchi lauded Danbatta’s strategic decision to embrace 5G technology, positioning Nigeria as an early adopter in the global digital economy. This visionary move resulted in the generation of $820.8 million in 5G spectrum license fees paid by leading operators to the federal government.
The group also underscored the remarkable growth in telephone users, internet subscribers and broadband users during Danbatta’s tenure, reaching 218.9 million, 159.5 million and 88.7 million, respectively. These impressive figures, coupled with the creation of numerous job opportunities, highlight the telecom sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development.
The ICT community acknowledged Danbatta’s unwavering commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and active stakeholder engagement as key drivers of success. Despite challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, regulatory complexities, and power supply issues, Danbatta’s leadership has propelled the sector to new heights.
The ICT sector’s success has led the group to call on the federal government to replicate this achievement in other industries, positioning Nigeria among the world’s top 20 economies. They view Danbatta’s leadership as a shining example of what can be accomplished with dedication, innovation, and visionary guidance.
As accolades continue to pour in, Danbatta’s transformative leadership in Nigeria’s telecom sector stands as an inspiring testament to how visionary leadership can drive growth, innovation, and prosperity in the nation’s economy.
Chike emphasised that “His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey”.
