One of Nigeria’s telecom service providers, 9mobile, at the weekend, pledged support for Nigeria’s economic transformation through the Digital Economy Policy and Strategy of the Federal Government.
Alan Sinfield, the chief executive officer of 9mobile, who was accompanied by members of the company’s management team, gave the assurance while on a courtesy visit to Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the minister of communications and economy, at his office in Abuja.
The minister, who congratulated the recently appointed CEO of 9mobile, said Sinfeild’s experience as a seasoned telecommunications experts with global operational expertise, represents what is needed in Nigeria’s telecoms sector at this time.
“I read about your appointment on June 1, 2020, the same day it was announced, and I was excited because we need people with creative, analytical thinking and innovative ideas that will come and support us in driving the sector forward,” Pantami said.
READ ALSO: MTN, 9Mobile are building chatbots: Why it matters
He also commended 9mobile’s growth plans as laid out by Sinfield and assured that the government would continue to facilitate the enabling environment for the industry to thrive.
Speaking further, Pantami said, “I’m excited about your innovative ideas. Your plan is highly impressive, and I’m glad that you are ambitious. As a government, we will provide a more enabling environment for the industry and especially indigenous companies like you to thrive. We have many policies that are promoting indigenous investments and innovation that will positively impact the economy.”
Pantami, who also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to improve broadband penetration and digital roll-out, said the government would continue to intervene to address issues confronting Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other players in the sector.
Abdulrahman Ado, executive director, regulatory & corporate affairs, Ore Olamide, company secretary and director, legal of 9mobile were also present during the courtesy visit.
In a related vein, Sinfield had paid a similar visit to Umar Danbatta, the executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), at NCC’s Zonal Office, Ikoyi, Lagos.
9mobile’s CEO thanked the NCC for supporting 9mobile during its transition period and its visionary regulatory oversight of the sector.
Danbatta had, in turn, commended 9mobile’s excellent quality of service and urged the telco to sustain its growth momentum, assuring of the NCC’s continued support.
