The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has said that the country telecommunications sector contributes 9.5% to the country’s GDP which is about N2 trillion per quarter.
He said this on Monday while addressing pressmen on the sideline of the valedictory conference for the minister in Abuja.
As part of the ministry achievement, Nigerians are now able to own and control one of the biggest telecommunications company in the country.
“We have succeeded in empowering Nigerians to own, control and manage one of the dominant telecommunication company in the country by MTN listing in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Arising from the settlement agreement reached with MTN through payment of N330 billion to government coffers of which they have paid N235billion remaining only N55 billion which is the last tranche.
“MTN has been listed in the NSE and Nigerians can now buy shares and through this, Nigerians will be financially empowered and socially transformed.”
“We are now trying to deploy ICT from hinterland to outer land. We have licenced seven InfraCos’ in the country. We have always wanted to take broadband to the next level with 120 southern kilometers in 2023.
Speaking on the minister end of term, he said, “we will miss you but your legacy that you leave behind will stand the test of time,”
The postmaster general, Barr Bisi Are, said, “the modernization of the massive infrastructure under you is impressive. Our digital addressing system now assures that people identity is tied to an address system. NIPOST today is beyond mail delivery.”
On is part, MD Galaxy Backbone Mr Yusuf Kazaure said “it’s been an eventful three and half years. His (minister) door was always open. Our infrastructure is second to none in the country.
He commended the minister for his efforts in the success of e-Government.
