Danbatta hailed for transformative achievements in Nigeria’s telecom sector
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has expressed its admiration for Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), applauding his outstanding leadership and unprecedented accomplishments in the country’s telecommunications industry.
These commendations came from stakeholders represented by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA).
According to NITRA, Professor Danbatta’s visionary guidance has brought about a remarkable transformation in Nigeria’s telecom sector, surpassing previous limitations and establishing it as a symbol of progress. During his eight-year tenure as EVC of the NCC, the sector attracted an astonishing $77 billion in investments, catapulting it to a prominent position in the nation’s economic landscape.
The ICT community commended Danbatta for overseeing a sector that now contributes a substantial 16 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant increase from its 8 percent contribution in 2015. The financial impact is undeniable, with a recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealing a substantial N2.508 trillion contribution to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2023, representing 14.13 percent.
Chike Onwuegbuchi, the National Chairman of NITRA, stated that one of the key achievements highlighted by the ICT community was Danbatta’s bold embrace of 5G technology, positioning Nigeria as an early adopter in the global digital economy. This strategic decision resulted in the federal government generating $820.8 million from 5G spectrum license fees paid by leading operators.
The ICT community also emphasized the significant growth in telephone users, internet subscribers, and broadband users under Danbatta’s leadership, which has reached 218.9 million, 159.5 million, and 88.7 million, respectively. These figures, along with the creation of numerous jobs, underscore the sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development.
The ICT community praised Danbatta’s unwavering commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and active stakeholder engagement, setting a powerful precedent for success and acknowledging the sector’s resilience in the face of challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, regulatory complexities, and power supply issues.
The ICT community has called on the federal government to replicate the success of the telecom sector in other industries, aiming to position Nigeria among the world’s top 20 economies. They see Danbatta’s leadership as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and visionary leadership.
As accolades continue to pour in, Professor Danbatta’s transformative leadership in Nigeria’s telecom sector serves as an inspiring example of how visionary leadership can drive growth, innovation, and prosperity in the nation’s economy.
Chike concluded the statement by saying, “His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”
