The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday kicked off a two-day training programme in Lagos aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of media practitioners on emerging trends in telecommunications and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
According to the Commission, the initiative is designed to equip telecoms and ICT journalists with up-to-date knowledge of industry developments, regulatory strides, and opportunities in the telecoms sector.
The training featured multiple sessions led by senior officials from the NCC and experts from related fields. Speaking at the event, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, highlighted that the programme aligns with the vision of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida.
He noted that the Commission is committed to ensuring its media partners and stakeholders are well-informed and equipped with the skills needed for effective reporting and professional growth.
In a lecture titled “Overview of the Nigerian Telecoms Industry and the Roles of the NCC”, Nwanko Okorie outlined the Commission’s regulatory mandate to foster healthy competition, protect smaller operators, and discourage monopolistic practices. She emphasized that the NCC’s role is to ensure a level playing field for all players in the industry.
Providing key statistics, Okorie revealed that as of September 2024, Nigeria had 153 million GSM subscribers, a reduction from 198 million due to the SIM-NIN linkage exercise. She explained that the exercise identified and deactivated inactive numbers, contributing to the decline. Broadband penetration for 3G and 4G services currently stands at 41.66%, while the telecoms sector contributes about 16% to the country’s GDP.
“Some consider telecommunications to be the next oil, given its critical role in driving economic growth and innovation,” she said.
Other sessions covered a range of topics, including data journalism and visualization tools, digital economy trends, consumer data usage, and the importance of connectivity and resilience in the telecoms industry.
The programme underscores the NCC’s commitment to fostering an informed media landscape and promoting dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s telecoms and ICT sectors.
