The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed its readiness to support Meta (formerly Facebook) in its endeavour to invest in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, stated that the Commission is committed to backing law-abiding investors like Meta who align with the government’s agenda of promoting a robust digital economy.
During a visit to NCC’s headquarters in Abuja, a delegation from Meta, led by Kojo Boakye, the Vice President for Africa, the Middle-East, and Turkey, met with Dr. Maida. The purpose of the visit was to congratulate Dr. Maida on his appointment and to discuss Meta’s ongoing efforts to bring the 2Africa Cable project to Nigeria.
The 2Africa submarine cable, spanning 45,000 kilometers, is set to become one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects. Boakye explained that the cable will connect Europe (via Egypt), Asia (via Saudi Arabia), and Africa, delivering a design capacity of up to 180 terabytes per second (Tbps).
The system, which is expected to go live in 2023, will provide much-needed internet capacity and reliability across Africa and support the growth of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access.
Boakye sought NCC’s support in navigating the legal and regulatory hurdles associated with landing the submarine cable in Nigeria. He also revealed that Meta, through a consortium, plans to simultaneously land the 2Africa cable in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom States. This strategic approach aims to connect the unconnected while offering enhanced and affordable access to those already connected.
Dr. Maida emphasised that the NCC places great importance on compliance with industry laws, regulations, and guidelines. He assured Meta and other investors of regulatory support as long as they operate within the guidelines set by the Commission.
This commitment to a level-playing field for all licensees and stakeholders, is crucial for sustaining healthy competition and ensuring sustainable growth in the Nigerian telecoms sector.
The NCC’s endorsement of Meta’s undersea cable initiative, aligns with Nigeria’s vision of expanding connectivity and building a thriving digital economy. With the support of regulatory bodies like the NCC, Meta’s investment in the 2Africa Cable project could significantly contribute to bridging the digital divide and fostering economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.
