The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, pointed out during the 2nd International Conference of the Association of Media and Communications Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON) that the way forward for communication groups is adequate digitalization.
Speaking during the virtual event, the NCC Boss, Prof. Umar Danbatta ably represented by Ismail Adedigba, Director, Research and Development, while giving a keynote address dubbed “Influence of Communication Policies on Digital Revolution in Nigeria” noted that although AMCRON which was formed in 2021, is a relatively new body of media and mass communication professionals, there is no doubt that its membership comprises eminent professors and scholars who have continued to contribute intellectually to the body of knowledge required to advance media and communication studies in Nigeria and beyond.
On the other hand, there is an inseparable convergence and intersections between Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/telecommunications, and the Media of Mass Communication. Indeed, ICT/telecommunications and Mass Communication are like Siamese twins when we consider how the former has continued to change the landscape of the latter, both from practical, theoretical, and pedagogical perspectives. For instance, live events and real-time reporting are now possible, thanks to technological advancement in communication. With ICT, communication is fast, precise and well-targeted. Without these revolutionary changes, mass communication would not be as effective as the world knows it.
More importantly, the Management of the Commission, under my leadership, has recognized the media – be it print, broadcast and online – as central stakeholders that have been so supportive and consistent in reporting the developments in the telecommunications industry. It is, therefore, heartwarming that the great minds who help to produce the critical workforce shaping the media industry – professors and scholars in the Mass Communication field – are the founders and members of this great Association.
The NCC Boss who started his job as a media communication expert having first worked with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in Kano State reviewed that by the reckoning of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), by the way of giving a contextual interpretation to the conception by UNESCO, communication policies speak to strategies and regulations, and the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) regulatory visions that can nudge people to harness opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution through the embrace of digital culture across sectors by individual, businesses and institutions. Nigeria has fared considerably well in policy designs, and impressively in implementation under the current administration.
“ I am pleased to inform you that NCC, in line with its commitment to regulatory excellence, has relentlessly pursued the implementation of NDEPS to achieve the objectives of the Federal Government in regards to Digital revolutions. Among these objectives areTarget 70% broadband penetration in 4 years. To accelerate the digitalization of government processes and improve service delivery, transparency, and accountability. To improve trust, confidence and security around digital processes and activities. To attract and grow digital jobs across all sectors of the economy. To Develop the technology start-up ecosystem by actively promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. To support the digital literacy of Nigerian Citizens, Business and Government workers and enable them to acquire cutting-edge digital skills. To achieve a 95% Digital Literacy Level in Nigeria within the next 10 years. To develop a digital education curriculum to meet the current and future needs of the Digital Economy. To ensure that indigenous technology companies can participate actively in government-funded technology programmes; and ensure that the policy and regulatory instruments are fit-for-purpose and support the digital business environment.
The implementation of these policies and strategies by the Commission and other stakeholders has resulted in the impressive growth of the economy according to impressive statistics posted by the telecommunications sector.” He added.
