Danbatta seeks Reps’ cooperation on telecom regulations

Umar Garba Danbatta, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for more cooperation and understanding of members of the House of Representatives, on regulatory functions of the commission.

Speaking during an oversight visit of the members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Communications in Abuja, Danbatta stressed the need for striking a balance in satisfying diverse stakeholders in the industry the Commission regulates.

“We will still use this opportunity to seek you cooperation and understanding of delicate balance existing between the functions of regulators, and its many publics and stakeholders, including the legislature.

“These stakeholders have diverse but very important interest, which the regulator must satisfy. In the course of achieving an effective regulation for the benefit of all and in creating an enabling environment for growth, issues and challenges are bound to arise,” he explained.

The EVC also told members of the Committee that the Commission had recently won a European Award for Best Practices, in addition to emerging African Regulator of the Year at regional level.

Responding, Shaheed Fijabi, Chairman of the Committee, who said they were at the headquarters of the NCC to exercise their oversight duty also commended the strides of Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in the country.

Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, who said that the commission has always enjoyed fruitful relationships with the committee, commended members for “the very mature way” they have handled its affairs.

JUMOKE AKIYODE