The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is partnering with the Ondo State to support the infrastructure deployment plan of O’odua Infraco Ltd.
The NCC has granted Open Access Fibre (Infraco) licences to seven firms to deploy optical fibre networks across regions of the country including Infraco Nigeria Limited, Brinks Integrated Solution Limited, Zinox Technologies Limited, Fleek Networks Nigeria Limited, Raeanna Nigeria Limited, O’odua Infraco Resource Limited and Broadbased Communications Ltd.
Meanwhile, NCC says its collaboration with O’odua Infraco “particularly targets how to use Information Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver more government services and simplify government operations,” following a visit by a delegation of O’odua Infraco led by Mr Olumbe Akinkugbe, Chairman of Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA).
The team had visited NCC to seek advice on the best ways to enjoy seamless deployment of broadband in the state, taking a cue from the recent Broadband Technical Awareness Forum (BTAF) organized for State Governors in Abuja by the Commission, according to Akinkugbe.
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Miss Josephine Amuwa, NCC’s Director of Legal and Regulatory Services, who received the delegation on behalf of Prof. Umar Danbatta, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, commended the visitors for their timely pursuit of the programme and assured them of Commission’s commitment to achieving milestones in broadband infrastructure deployment in the State.
“We consider the meeting a watershed in our efforts at transforming Nigeria into a major digital hub in Africa, through transforming all the states of the Federation. We are particularly elated by the fact that your request for this engagement came on the heels of the Broadband Technical Awareness Forum (BTAF) organized by the Commission, for which we received a very positive scorecard from you,” she said.
Challenges impeding the progress of Broadband Infrastructure deployment, Amuwa says, include right-of-way issues; indiscriminate charges and levies; hostilities by local communities; among others.
A tripartite committee to discuss the Ondo State Government plan with the O’odua Infraco, and the Commission, was set up to discuss and harness mutual benefits; and to recommend the best ways to drive the actualization of such mutual benefits to the nation, the State and citizens.
The committee is to report to the Ondo State Executive Council through NCC’s EVC on monthly basis, according to the telecoms regulator.
Earlier, the NCC commended the Government of Ondo State for its commitment to the deployment of broadband infrastructure through the O’odua Infraco, urging other states to come on board the efforts to make the service available to their citizens.
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