The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set its sights on accelerating broadband expansion and deepening digital inclusion nationwide following the appointment of Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe as chairman of its Board.
This is even as the NCC has affirmed the move will strengthen its capacity to deliver on Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, NCC, in a press statement, congratulated Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe, the chairman-designate, alongside other distinguished designate board members.
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It also extended felicitations to the designate members of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) board, which also operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE).
President Tinubu had earlier announced the composition of the two boards through a statement by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson. The appointments retain Maida as EVC/CEO of the NCC, with Olorunnimbe taking over as chairman.
Olorunnimbe, who previously served on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Board as chair of the stakeholder and governance committee, is credited with driving impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes. Other NCC board members include Abraham Oshidami, executive commissioner, technical services; Rimini Makama, executive commissioner, stakeholder management; and Hajia Maryam Bayi, former director, human capital & administration. The board also features Col. Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd), Sen. Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, and Oforitsenere Emiko as secretary.
For the USPF board, the president named Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, as chairman, with Olorunnimbe serving as vice chairman. Other members include Oshidami, Makama, Aliyu Edogi Aliyu (representing FMCIDE), Joseph Faluyi (representing the Federal Ministry of Finance), Auwal Mohammed (representing the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning), as well as Uzoma Dozie, Peter Bankole, and Abayomi Okanlawon. Gafar Quadri will serve as secretary.
Maida described the new leadership as hhighly esteemed individuals of proven competence, with vast experience and impressive track records, noting that their collective expertise will be instrumental in steering the communications industry forward.
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“They will bring to bear their wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and strong governance to enhance the regulatory work of the Commission. The NCC expresses its profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for these appointments and looks forward to working closely with its supervising Ministry and the Board to deliver on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria’s digital economy,” Maida said.
