The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has directed the Board and Management of the
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to resolve the issues of illegal data deduction and review downwards, the price of data in the country within five days.
He stated this during the presentation of Barrister Adeleke Morofolu Adewolu, the new Board Member/Executive Commissioner by the Chairman of the Board of Commission’s Board, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister pointed out that there were numerous complaints from Nigerians regarding illegal data deduction and the high price of data adding that he had personally experienced illegal data deduction.
He charged NCC to facilitate the penetration and expansion of 3G and 4G and urged the Commission to design a target on how mobile operators can expand penetration of 3G and 4G in the country.
Pantami stated that government is aware of the challenges the mobile operators experience in their business such as vandalism and issues of Right of Way (ROW).
According to him, “the way we pursue the mobile operators to do what is right, we should also work together to protect their interest and resolve the challenges operators face”.
Pantami said “the main agenda of NCC is to protect the interest of customers and our priority is to protect Nigerians. It is our collective responsibility to make sure we give 100% support to Mr President to deliver his key mandate.”.
He charged the new Commissioner to use his experience and support the board to fight corruption, noting that the success of NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is the success of Nigeria.
The Minister noted that the mandate of the Ministry has been expanded towards improving the economy of the country through ICT hence, there is a need to work together for the progress of Nigeria.
The Minister commended NCC on the success recorded in the deactivation of unregistered Sim cards, 35% broadband penetration and operators compliance in payment of fines as well as remittance of the amount to the government.