New Appointments to Boost Nigeria's Digital Economy: NCC and USPF Boards Get Fresh Leadership
NCC Announces Fresh Board Members, Reinforces Dedication to Propelling Nigeria's Digital Economy Expansion
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) have received new leadership, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu making the appointments. The designate-Board members of both the NCC and USPF are distinguished individuals, bringing a wealth of knowledge, strategic vision, and strong governance to their respective roles.
New Leadership at the NCC
The NCC's leadership team, under the chairmanship of Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe, includes:
- Dr. Aminu Wada as the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO
- Abraham Oshidami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services
- Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management
- Hajia Maryam Bayi
- Col Abdulwahab Lawal (retd.)
- Senator Lekan Mustafa
- Chris Okorie
- Princess Oforitsenere Emiko
The collective expertise of this team is expected to steer the communications industry in the right direction, providing the impetus to further transform Nigeria's digital economy.
New Leadership at the USPF
The USPF Board also has designate-members, appointed by President Tinubu. The USPF's leadership includes:
- Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as Chairman
- Idris Olorunnimbe as Vice Chairman
- Abraham Oshidami
- Rimini Makama
- Aliyu Edogi Aliyu (representative of FMCIDE)
- Joseph B. Faluyi (representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance)
- Auwal Mohammed (representative of FMBNP)
- Uzoma Dozie
- Peter Bankole
- Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon
- Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri
Contributions to Nigeria's Digital Economy
The newly appointed members of both the NCC and USPF boards are expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria's digital economy. Their roles include promoting digital inclusion, effective regulation and governance, and fostering youth employment and entrepreneurship.
The USPF, with its N10.9 billion project allocation, aims to expand access to information and communication technologies in rural and underserved areas, aligning with national policy goals for universal access. The NCC, under the leadership of Idris Olorunnimbe and Dr. Aminu Wada, will focus on effective regulation of the communications sector, ensuring it aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.
Given Idris Olorunnimbe's background in driving impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programs, the boards are likely to focus on initiatives that can enhance youth participation in the digital economy.
A Coordinated Effort for Digital Inclusion and Growth
The appointments signal a coordinated effort to accelerate digital inclusion and enhance Nigeria's position in the global digital landscape through strategic governance and investment in ICT infrastructure. The NCC 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.
The NCC expresses its profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointments. The Commission congratulates all the newly appointed members and is optimistic about the future of Nigeria's digital economy.
The appointed leaders of both the NCC and USPF, with their extensive backgrounds in finance and business, will use their roles to promote digital inclusion and effective regulation in the communications sector, providing the necessary impetus for the growth of Nigeria's digital economy. The USPF, with its vast project allocation, aims to foster youth employment and entrepreneurship by expanding access to information and communication technologies in rural and underserved areas.
