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NCC’s TVWS framework will enhance delivery of digital economy – Pantami
Nasiru Yusuf
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has said that the Television White Space (TVWS) framework being developed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under the ministry’s supervision, will enhance the delivery of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.
The Minister stated this during the Industry Stakeholder Forum on the Guidelines on the use of TVWS in Nigeria, organised by the Commission at its Head Office in Abuja on Tuesday.
The programme was attended by several stakeholders, including the representatives of telecoms companies, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), officials from the Ministries of Communications and Digital Economy, and Information and Culture, as well as collaborating agencies in both Ministries.
The Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners, Prof. Adeolu Akande also led his colleagues on the Board to the forum which was attended by many other professionals from all walks of life, who gathered to make necessary inputs towards finalising the draft TVWS Guidelines.
The TVWS is the unused broadcasting spectrum which can be deployed to provide affordable broadband services to people at the grassroots.
Addressing the audience at the forum, Pantami said the TVWS Guidelines is in sync with the objective of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari in November last year.
The Minister noted that TVWS issue came up “as a result of a resolution by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) in which NCC and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) were urged to work together by setting up an inter-agency committee that will ensure the deployment and usage of the spectrum for TVWS.”
Dr. Pantami stated that TVWS is domiciled with NBC and can be used in bringing affordable broadband services to unserved and under-served areas and that it is part of the mandate of NCC to ensure universal access to telecoms services.
“It is because of this that NFMC urged both to work together for the effective utilisation of TVWS, which also supports the expanded mandate of the Ministry towards advancing government’s vision of promoting digital economy. In fact, the framework directly addresses two of the eight pillars of NDEPS, which are pillar one and three focusing on developmental regulations, and solid infrastructure, which has broadband access as a central component,” he said.
Dr. Pantami commended the efforts of NCC and NBC for complying with the rule-making process by organising the stakeholder forum to take inputs before finalising work on the TVWS regulations.
The Minister, however, charged the regulator “not to go to sleep” in constantly developing subsidiary regulations as may be necessary, in view of the fast-paced advancement in the global ICT industry.
Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman, Board of Commissioners, who commended the Honourable Minister for his support, said the Board of NCC will continue to provide necessary policy directions to the Commission for effective regulations of the telecoms industry.
He stated further that countries such as the United States of America, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa, have made significant progress towards the optimisation, utilisation and regulation of TVWS, and Nigeria will do so too. He promised that the Board will support the NCC in ensuring that Nigeria is counted on the list of such countries.
Earlier, Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, told the stakeholders that the forum was organised specifically to discuss the use of TVWS at finalising the draft Guidelines on the deployment of this technology, in line with the Commission’s commitment towards bridging the digital divide between different strata and sectors of the society.
“A draft of the Regulatory Framework has been concluded and as usual, we have invited you all to this meeting today to present what has been a result of a whole year of hard work, collaboration and consultations, to you for your comments and feedback on the draft document. This will lead to its eventual finalisation and operationalisation,” the EVC said.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.
Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.
His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.
From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.
His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.
In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).
His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.
Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.
As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.
A statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa noted that the members of the council include Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman and Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the executive secretary.
Alhaji Zangina Jafaru
Other key members of the council include Ibrahim Ahmad Gama (Member representing Kano Central), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi (Member representing Kano North), Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado (Member representing Kano South) Alhaji Munzali Abubakar (Representative of business community I, Kantin Kwari Market), Ali Muhammad Adakawa (Representative of business community II, Kwanar Singa), Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi (Representative of business community III, Dawanau Market), and Sani Gambo (Representative of business community IV, Abubakar Rimi Market).
Others are Halima Yahuza Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Justice), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Health), Aminu Gidado Yushe’u (Representative of Ministry of Environment), Bashir Shehu Gezawa (Representative of the Ministry for Local Government), Maryam Halilu Haruna, Director Special Duties, (Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs), Bashir Uba, Director Investment, (Representative of the Ministry of Investment/Commerce), Faisal Mahmud (Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Agency), Umar Zubairu (Representative of Special Service Directorate) and Shamsu Jibrin (Secretary/Legal Adviser.)
The Governor emphasised that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure that businesses operate under fair, transparent and lawful conditions.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.
The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of non-proficient Hausa speakers advertising products in the Hausa language in a manner that distorts the message and deviates from standard Hausa.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in his office.
He emphasized the need for advertisements in Hausa to be crafted by native speakers to ensure clarity and effective communication with the target audience.
“For an advert to be well understood, it is crucial that native Hausa speakers handle its production to prevent distortion and misinterpretation,” Comrade Waiya stressed.
Waiya reiterated his commitment to strengthening the capacity of Information Officers in the state by ensuring their registration with relevant professional bodies. This, he noted, would enhance their effectiveness and service delivery.
Earlier, the Director, Northern Region, ARCON, described the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria as the apex regulatory body overseeing advertising, marketing communications, and public communication practices in Nigeria.
He explained that ARCON operates under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation with a mandate to promote ethical advertising, act as the conscience of society in commercial communications, and protect consumer interests.
The Director commended the Kano State Government for its support of ARCON and urged the ministry to ensure that all Information Officers in the state are registered members of the council. He emphasized that such membership would significantly benefit the officers in carrying out their duties professionally.
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