Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has assured law-abiding investors, including Meta (formerly Facebook), of the Commission’s support for initiatives contributing to Nigeria’s digital economy.
During a visit by Meta’s delegation, led by Kojo Boakye, the Vice President for Africa, the Middle-East, and Turkey, at the NCC’s headquarters in Abuja, Maida emphasized the importance of regulatory adherence for all investors operating in Nigeria. He underscored the Commission’s commitment to ensuring compliance with industry laws, fostering a level-playing field, and nurturing healthy competition in the Nigerian telecoms sector.
Boakye conveyed Meta’s intentions to land the 2Africa Cable in Nigeria. Spanning 45,000 kilometers, the 2Africa submarine cable project stands as one of the largest globally, connecting Europe (via Egypt), Asia (via Saudi Arabia), and Africa. Boakye highlighted its transformative potential, delivering unparalleled internet capacity and reliability, with a design capacity of up to 180 terabytes per second (Tbps).
The Meta representative emphasized the pivotal role of the 2Africa project in meeting the burgeoning demand for internet capacity across Africa and the Middle East, particularly in bolstering 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access, especially in Nigeria.
Boakye sought the NCC’s support in navigating legal and regulatory processes to facilitate the cable’s landing, aiming to complement existing infrastructure in Nigeria. He revealed Meta’s consortium’s plans to simultaneously land the 2Africa cable in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom States, aiming to connect previously unconnected regions and enhance affordable access for existing connections.
The NCC, through Maida, assured Meta of the Commission’s commitment to facilitating lawful and beneficial investments that align with Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.