Senate clears six nominees for NCC board

The senate has confirmed six nominees for appointment as chairman and members of the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by Aliyu Ikra Bilbis, senator representing Zamfara central and chairman of the committee on communications, during the plenary on Tuesday.

Bilbis said the nominations by President Bola Tinubu were in line with section 8(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

He added that the nominees’ professional and educational backgrounds would “contribute immensely” to the growth of the country’s communications sector.

“The committee conducted thorough inquiries to ascertain the competence, credibility, and suitability of the nominees for appointment as chairman and commissioners of the NCC board,” Bilbis said.

He added that the nominees met the requirements stipulated in section 7(1) (a–h) of the NCC Act, noting that their confirmation would ensure the full constitution of the board in accordance with section 5(2) of the same law.

Bilbis said the committee, after extensive deliberations and scrutiny of the nominees’ credentials, found them qualified, competent and experienced in communications regulatory matters.

Shuaibu Salisu, senator representing Ogun central, described the six nominees as a “robust and balanced team” with a mix of youth and experience.

“If you look at the six people who have been nominated, it is an uncommon combination — youthful, vibrant, and experienced, including a former senator,” he said.

“This is the most balanced team that will manage the NCC, particularly at a time our focus is on the digital economy.”

Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, commended the committee for addressing the initial omission of the south-east in the board’s composition.

“I rise to sincerely commend the committee and your esteemed self for correcting the omission that occurred initially, where the south-east had no nominee in this commission,” Umeh said.

“It has now reflected the spirit of the law establishing the commission.”

The senate had earlier confirmed Aminu Maida as executive vice-chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Abraham Oshidami as executive commissioner (technical services), and Rimini Makama as executive commissioner (stakeholder management).

The confirmations were adopted after Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the question to a voice vote.

Earlier in the day, the senate confirmed Musa Babayo as chairman of the board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).