“This workshop signposts the vital role the Nigerian Communications Commission, as a regulator, has been playing in the West African sub-region.
“It also highlights the unending objective of keeping up with the times and ever-evolving dynamics of the telecommunications sector,” Danbatta said.
The NCC Chief Executive reiterated the enduring commitment of the Swedish Government and SPIDER to the cause of ICT development in emerging regions and also acknowledged their roles in improving access to healthcare, education, income generation, and employment opportunities in West Africa, thereby contributing to poverty reduction.
“This periodic strategic engagement under the auspices of SPIDER over the years has made the Commission a more effective regulator and enhanced its contribution to the development of the telecommunications sector.
“This contribution will further support the creation of an ecosystem that is beneficial to the economies and people of the region,” Danbatta also said.
She acknowledged the pivotal role ICT has played in Sweden’s economic growth, being the birthplace of Ericsson, one of the world’s oldest and largest ICT companies, with a rich history in the sector.
The ambassador stressed the global technological revolution and its potential to catalyze industrial and economic development, adding that there is a need for modern and adaptable regulation to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape.
“To cope with this new and swiftly developing environment, we need to regulate in a modern and adaptable way. Therefore, human capacity building in ICT regulation is crucial for all of us.”
The diplomat said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of ICT across the globe, leading to an increase in Internet users as the shift impacted various sectors, including education, commerce, and financial services.
The Ambassador said Ericsson had reported that there were more than 900 million registered mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022, with a considerable portion of those in Nigeria.
“In driving growth and contributing to the ambitious goal of over a billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2023 within Sub-Saharan Africa, education must be an essential part of our regulatory development strategies and policies.
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