NCC charges online media to amplify telecoms opportunities for Nigerians

…Mulls capacity building for online ICT journalists

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged online publishers and journalists reporting telecommunications in the country to spread information about inherent opportunities in the sector that can benefit Nigerians.

Ikechukwu Adinde, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, stated this on Wednesday at a virtual meeting with online journalists in the country where he also gave nod to a telecoms reporting capacity building request by the journalists.

While he noted that despite their strong stand in the country, the mainstream media cannot serve everyone, he said this confers the onus on online media to reach more people with accurate and real time information.

He said, for instance, that information about Do-Not-Disturb (DND), Emergency Communication Centres (ECC), NCC’s 622 toll-free contact number, alongside other initiatives of the commission need to get to more Nigerians so that they can fully explore their benefits.

“One of the many benefits of what you do as an online journalist is the real-time dissemination of information and the immediacy it involves.

“The availability of online news 24/7 and its accessibility and availability to consumers make your work very important; you are therefore constantly faced with the challenge of not only reporting events real-time, sometimes, but balancing that need for speed with the accuracy and integrity demanded by your profession,” Adinde said.

He said there has been a considerable increase in the number of people accessing the news via online platforms, especially among younger audiences.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to be the leading public sector brand in the use of online media for organizational communication and stakeholder engagement.

According to him, the communications sector and telecoms, in particular, is indeed the most vibrant and dynamic sector of the economy and requires excellent leadership and stewardship.

He further stated: “No wonder President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the reappointment of Prof. Umar Danbatta as the EVC/CEO of the NCC for another term of five years which has since been confirmed by the Senate.

“The fate of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has yet again been entrusted to a tested and trusted hand and you have a role to play to ensure factual reportage of the Commissions activities and initiatives.

“On our part, we will continue to work with you to accomplish the goals and objectives which define our shared interests in building the ICT Sector and telecom in particular for the greater good of Nigerians.”

The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the New National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), the NCC Strategic Management Plan (2020-2024), creation of the Digital Economy Department all underscore the policy directions of the Federal Government which the NCC is expected to drive working with our supervising ministry and other relevant industry stakeholders to extend the frontiers of the digital economy for Nigerians, Adinde stressed.

While he solicited continuous support in the area of enlightening the general public on the various consumer-centric regulatory initiatives of the Commission, Adinde also encouraged the journalist to always explore NCC’s official website for important industry statistics that are updated from time to time.

He added that the commission, through the public affairs Department, will always be available to interact with journalists who may want to seek clarifications or have some questions answered by the telecoms regulator.

“We also urge you to always contact the Commission for necessary clarifications to ensure accurate and adequate reporting of the industry, as the NCC runs an Open House to our media stakeholders.

“We call on your support and continued collaboration in reporting our activities and initiatives for the good of every Nigerian and for the growth of the telecom industry, your role is indeed very critical,” he concluded.

Adinde

Adinde assumed duties as the Director of Public Affairs on June 23, 2020. He had been in the system for a long time and had taken on several responsibilities and acted in various capacities.

He also had the opportunity to head the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), where, by nature of the job amongst other things, he had to interface with the media from time to time.