….Says 27m Nigerians lack access to telecom
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta Monday disclosed that the country needs about N700 billion to bridge the gaps of underserved and unnerved network users in the country.
He stated at the investigative hearing organised by the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee investigating the failure of the NCC to provide adequate mobile access to Nigerians.
Danbatta said it would promote widespread availability and usage of mobile telecommunication network across the country.
He also urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the telecom industry.
According to him, about 27 million Nigerians lacked access to mobile telecommunication, and added that there were 220,000,000 active subscribers that own two or more SIM cards.
Earlier, the speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila in his welcome remarks lamented that the absence of quality reception in rural areas was a national concern, which was also a reason for the investigation.
Represented by the deputy chief Whip of the House, Hon. Nkireuka Onyejeocha, the speaker expressed confidence that the committee would do justice to the probe.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Hon. Bamidele Salaam, requested for adequate clarifications on the procurement processes of the NCC over the years.
