NCC Boss, Dr. Maida, Calls For Industrial Collaboration To Ensure Quality Service In Telecom Sector
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has called for industry collaboration to ensure quality service in the telecommunications sector.
Dr. Maida, who spoke in Lagos at an interactive session with chief executive officers in the industry, assured of collaborations within the industry and commitment to transparency in the telecom ecosystem.
He told the industry chieftains to appreciate that they have a very important role to play in an industry to consolidate on the achievements already recorded in the sector, which is an enabler of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The NCC boss noted that the expectations of telecom consumers are very high.
“People actually expect telecom services to work. I don’t think they really appreciate what it takes to deliver these services. So, it has come to a stage they just see telecom service as utility like water and electricity. Like a social service, it needs to work. We need to really come together in the industry and deliver value to the customer.”
He also spoke about compliance to industry regulations and standards, saying: “when it comes to compliance, this is an area where we are going to be placing a lot more focus, and things are going to be a lot more urgent. I am not going to be asking for compliance after the fact. That is going to be a very key area of focus for me.
“So, we owe it to ourselves to benchmark ourselves against the best, not against other sectors. We have to just take ourselves as setting the benchmark for every person else. So, let people compare and say we have to be as good as telecom.”
On broadband, Dr. Maida said that the Commission has a very short time to do so much.
“A lot has been done with the Infrastructure Company (InfraCo) licensing. We just have to re-imagine, look at it again, and see whether that is the right approach and re-imagine how we approach it. We now need to start getting into the states, and perhaps we might need to sit down and see how we can do that differently. Again, on the broadband issue, we need to increase the investment.”
The new NCC boss said that he considered operating entities as a very crucial segment of the national telecom development, hence his desire to hear directly from industry CEOs about the issues, challenges, and opportunities.
“We also have to be clear that this is not just a conversation about you representing your shareholders. This is a conversation about Nigeria. This is a conversation about moving Nigeria forward. So, your shareholders are one part of your stakeholders, but Nigerians are also another critical, in fact, your most important stakeholders. So, this conversation is going to be about you having your shareholders, but you also have Nigerians to whom you will have to deliver services.”
The CEOs, who expressed delight at the consultative approach of the EVC, promised to work closely in support of Maida’s mandate.
President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, said that the industry is reassured by the steps that Maida has taken in convening the interactive session.
“We are really encouraged that your first action is to meet with us here at this interactive session.
“What you have done to invite us here to hear what we have to say is the right step.”
Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, commended the interactive session for providing a platform for discussing the issues in the industry.
He said that the approach of the new boss of the NCC is very promising.
Importance Of Legislative Compliance In Good Governance, By Edward Usoro
In any democratic society, adherence to legislative compliance is crucial for a smooth and efficient functioning of the government. Democracy thrives on the idea of complementarity among the three arms of government for effective delivery of good governance.
This article explores the importance of legislative compliance by the executive arm of government and its impact on governance, accountability, and the overall well-being of the society.
In Nigeria, like in other democracies, while the legislature makes laws, the executive is responsible for implementing them. The flouting of those laws and policies attracts punishments pronounced by the judiciary. By implication, the three arms are expected to work in complimentary roles to stabilize the society.for the good of all.
However, if the legislature makes laws and the executive refuses to play a pivotal role in ensuring that those laws are followed and enforced, the outcome will be a society of anarchy. That was the concern that recently made the chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to urge the executive to be more responsive to legislative issues.
Akpabio’s message was not an indictment of the entire executive arm, but a clarion call to those wont to be sluggish and less concerned about the general issue of governance. It was a subtle warning to those who believe in “business as usual” approach, not minding if the “usual” lacks a utilitarian flavour.
As he decried the attitude of some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), often in the habit of snubbing the summons of the Committees of the National Assembly as well as the laws and resolutions of the legislature, Akpabio signalled his commitment to help change the narrative of governance for the better.
As said earlier, legislative compliance, particularly in implementation by the executive, guarantees governance and rule of law. Clearly, when the laws enacted by the legislature are effectively implemented, they provide a framework for governance and stability. By adhering to legislative requirements, the executive arm helps maintain order and justice within the society, fostering an environment where citizens can trust in the fairness and impartiality of government actions.
Moreover, complying with legislative outputs promote accountability and transparency. It has been argued by political experts that when the government complies with legislation, it becomes easier for the citizens and relevant oversight bodies to monitor and evaluate the actions of the executive. This accountability fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the government’s ability to act in the best interests of the people. By complying with legislative requirements, the executive arm demonstrates its commitment to transparency, allowing citizens to have a clear understanding of government decisions and policies.
Also, legislative compliance by the executive arm also helps in curbing corruption and preventing abuse of power. This is where the principle of Seperations of Power becomes relevant in a democracy. When the executive follows the laws and regulations set by the legislative branch, it reduces the chances of unauthorized actions that may harm the public interest or violate individual rights.
It does appear that Akpabio did not only have his eyes on transparency and accountability, but also on justice and protection of human rights. For Plato, justice consists in everyone doing his due. He does not see justice as mere strength, but a harmonious one. Justice is not the right of the stronger but the effective harmony of the whole. All moral conceptions revolve about the good of the whole – individual as well as social. Applying this to Akpabio’s appeal to the executive for legislative compliance, it is clear that he aimed at ensuring a harmonious government for the benefit of the masses.
It is in a society, as aforepictured, that protection of human rights and justice can be effectively ensured. It is common expectation that laws enacted by the legislature often aim to protect individual liberties,and promote equity and social justice. The manifestation of the above expectations becomes easy when the executive complies with the laws, thus contributing to the protection of human rights and equitable treatment of all. On the reverse, non-compliance can lead to violations of constitutional rights, making the executive arm accountable for any potential harm caused by disregarding legislation.
There is also the issue of effective policy implementation. Policies and programs designed to meet societal needs cannot be effective, if they are not executed in accordance with the law. By understanding and adhering to legislative outputs, the executive arm can ensure that policies are implemented effectively, efficiently, and in a manner consistent with the intended goals. Compliance allows for meticulous planning, proper allocation of resources, and overall enhanced policy outcomes.
Legislative compliance by the executive arm of government is of paramount importance for the successful functioning of a democratic society. It promotes governance, accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights. By adhering to legislative requirements, the executive arm ensures the effective implementation of policies, leading to favorable outcomes for the society as a whole. Consequently, fostering a culture of legislative compliance within the executive arm is vital for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring a just and fair society.
In summary, legislative compliance is crucial for the successful functioning of a democratic society. It upholds the rule of law, promotes accountability and transparency, prevents corruption, and ensures the protection of human rights. By adhering to legislative requirements, the executive arm plays a vital role in maintaining a just and fair society for its citizens.
* Usoro, a public affairs analyst and communications expert, wrote in from Lagos.