Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said that collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy remains a critical factor that would create and mould an industry that will attract further huge investments to the country.
L-R: Olusola Teniola, president, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO NCC during a reception organised by the Association in honour of the Minister, Dr, Isa Pantami on Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Abuja
Olusola Teniola, president, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) stated this during a reception organised by the Association in honour of the Minister, Dr, Isa Pantami on Thursday, December 12, 2019 in Abuja.
Teniola said they hope that the handshake with the Ministry will provide an environment where innovation creates an eco-system; where both the smaller and larger operators can co-exist to create positive shareholder’s value and deliver a consumer experience that exceeds expectations.
He further said that the Association commends the recently launched documents on National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
“We promise to collaborate, corporate and partner with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to realise the set broadband target of 75% in the documents in the next 5 years by removing, collectively those obstacles that are working against the growth of the industry”.
“No doubt the documents on National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy will help all stakeholders to have a focus as to what the government is thinking in terms of digitalizing the entire country’s economy as it provides a further foundation which will eventually lead the industry to a truly digital transformation that has 5g as a central vehicle for collaborative innovation to grow our GDP and raise our GDP per capital in 5 year’s time.
“In 2020, in order to give complete industry support to our minister’s passion and dreams for digital economy, the Association in collaboration with the ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under the leadership of Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and other agencies under the Ministry, ATCON would be organising a National Dialogue on Telecom and ICT in Nigeria, the whole essence is to foster the implementation of Digital Economy in Nigeria. The information on this proposed event would be shared with all concerned later.
“ATCON pledges to work with the ministry of Communication and Digital Economy in order to understand how we can shape, mould and create an industry that attracts further huge investments and environment where innovation creates an eco-system where both the smaller and larger operators can co-exist to create positive shareholder’s value and deliver a consumer experience that exceeds expectations. Collaboration remains a critical factor in the success equation of our industry.
Speaking on the 7th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications and Digital Economy 2019, the ATCON President said, “We sincerely appreciate the opportunity extended to us to submit a memo and join all the commissioners of all 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory, other relevant Ministries and Organizations to consider Memorandum submitted.
“ATCON would continue to advocate in a manner that is professional, mature and objective which not only protect but promote the business of its teeming members in Nigeria. We look forward to gathering useful information as to ensuring that we realize the 75% broadband penetration in the next 5 years.
Dr. Pantami, while appreciating ATCON members for the reception in his honour, said that he has presented some of the challenges facing the telecommunications sector before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and that actions are being taken to address them,” he said.
He further pledged to work with all stakeholders in the sector and ask for their support, suggestions and constructive criticisms wherever necessary, to promote the growth of the sector for the betterment of all Nigerians.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of a certificate of support to the Honourable Minister on behalf of the President, National Executive Council Members and Member Companies.