A PAPER PRESENTED BY THE EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN OF NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (NCC), PROF. UMAR G. DANBATTA, FNSE ON TUESDAY 5TH JUNE, 2018, AT THE DIGITAL PAYEXPO 2018 HELD AT EKO HOTEL & SUITE, LAGOS.

PROTOCOLS:

I am delighted to present this key note address at this very important annual event on Nigeria’s payment landscape for enterprise and innovation for financial inclusion. It is interesting to note that this year’s theme is looking at the persisting barriers to deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria, despite the various initiatives that have been made by key stakeholders in the digital financial service ecosystem. I therefore welcome you all from your various destinations.


Let me begin by reminding us that The Nigerian Communications Commission [NCC] is the independent National Regulatory Authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. The NCC is responsible for amongst other things: creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry and ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country.


As a regulator of a dynamic industry, the NCC is aware that regulations are ever changing, including those for financial inclusion globally. We are in no way aversed to supporting the dynamism of financial inclusion service provision, however it is of utmost importance to ensure the integrity, security and resilience of the telecommunications infrastructure networks at all times.


The NCC is also mindful of the huge potentials of the telecommunications infrastructure, no wonder it has been dubbed “the infrastructure of all infrastructures”. Bearing this in mind, the NCC has ensured that the telecommunications infrastructure is continually upgraded, expanded and made robust to enhance amongst other things the delivery of digital financial innovation and services in Nigeria.


The NCC understands that successful implementation of financial inclusion will principally assist as a tool for reduction of poverty and achieving economic growth, as well as enable greater employment. Therefore the role of regulators and key MDAs cannot be overemphasized in driving financial inclusion implementation.


In this wise, the NCC has been actively involved and committed to the implementation of the Federal Government’s National Financial Inclusion Implementation target of 80% of adult Nigerians by 2020. This is very evident through our participation and collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN]. One of the major driving force of the Commission is to provide Universal Access, especially to the underserved and unserved parts of the country. Invariably, this has a link with the overall objective of the National Financial Inclusion.


Also, the NCC has established a Financial....


MORE:http://ybtcnews.com/2018/06/06/enabling-financial-inclusion-a-multi-agency-approach-by-umar-danbatta/