VAS segment, overdue for regulation

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, has said that the Value Added Services segment, VAS, in Nigerian is overdue for regulation. Prof Garba, said this during the week in Lagos at the Consultation Forum on Draft Regulatory Framework for the Provision of Value Added Services in Nigeria Speaking at the event, Danbatta, said that the forum was convened by NCC in order to deepen the growth in the telecommunication sector in a remarkable and measurable manner. 

According to him, “You will recall just two months ago, I addressed the global media in a press conference where I unveiled the 8-point agenda of the NCC management under my leadership. 

Today, we are gathered here to reflect on the draft regulatory framework for the provision of Value Added Services, VAS in Nigeria, in another demonstration of our commitment to that agenda. 

Our gathering at this time is in line with the commission’s rule-making processes and in substantial compliance with the guiding principle of carrying out representatives and wide consultations in the development of regulatory instrument as stipulated by the Nigerian communication Act 2003″ Speaking further he said, “The centrality of Value Added Services segment to the consolidation of the gains in the telecoms sector is one reason this joint examination of the draft regulatory framework is very significant. 

This segment is overdue for regulation as envisaged in our 8-point agenda specifically on the items on promotion of ICT innovation and Investment opportunities. You will also recall that a constitutive component of the 8-point agenda is the facilitation of broadband penetration. The totalizing objective of the 8point schema is to promote ICT innovation locally, increase investment in youths, promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as provide and optimize access to the use of affordable fixed and mobile broadband everywhere in Nigeria. 

This vision will increase in employment, stimulate economic activities and growth as well as culminate in the development of quality local contents that utilize broadband infrastructure as envisioned by the ITU’s Broadband Commission in its characterization of broadband eco system. 

Therefore it stands to reason that except we are determined to develop and encourage quality local contents in Nigeria by rewarding contents developers who are the major players in the VAS segment of the industry our vision will be obstructed. 

The regulatory framework when finalised will complement the NCA 2003 and the respective licenses issued by the commission in providing guiding principles, standards and protocols for the VAS operation of the industry,” He said.