The Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS) has applauded the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Aminu Maida for reforming the sector.
The centre made this known in its assessment report of the communications sector under President Bola Tinubu.
In the report signed by Dr Thomas Uzah, the Centre hailed Dr Tijani and Maida for keying into President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda with laudable initiatives and reforms.
The report praised the minister for convincing President Tinubu to sign four Executive Orders including the suspension of the five percent Exercise Tax on telecommunication services.
It also acknowledged the importance of the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in fostering collaboration for broadband development and adoption to position the country at the forefront of the global digital landscape.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is consolidating on these gains as part of his promised renewed hope,” the report said in part.
“His appointment of an experienced young Nigerian in the person of Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communication and Digital Economy has yielded fruits with the reforms introduced by the ministry since his assumption of duty.
“He got the President to sign an executive order to suspend multiple taxation that has stifled business in the sector. The administration has rolled out many initiatives that, if implemented diligently will turn things around in the communication sector.
“Efforts are in place in human capacity development with the training of young men and women in ICT while also improving internet accessibility for Nigerians. The reforms introduced under the auspices of Dr Dr Bosun Tijani if sustained will solve many of the problems witnessed in the sector. “
The Centre, however, recommended that the NCC should revamp stakeholder engagement across the country.
It also urged the Federal Government to address the cost of doing business and invest massively in infrastructure, especially the power sector.
