TheCable

Ali Isa Pantami, the minister of communications and digital economy, says Nigeria’s telecommunications sector needs people who can think analytically and come up with innovative ideas to push it forward.

Pantami made this remark when he received Alan Sinfield, the newly appointed chief executive officer of 9mobile, at his office.

“I read about your appointment on June 1, the same day it was announced, and I was excited because we need people with creative, analytical thinking and innovative ideas that will come and support us in driving the sector forward,” Pantami said.

“I’m excited about your innovative ideas. Your plan is highly impressive, and I’m glad that you are ambitious.  As a government, we will provide a more enabling environment for the industry and especially indigenous companies like you to thrive. We have many policies that are promoting indigenous investments and innovation that will positively impact the economy.”

Speaking on the ministry’s efforts to improve broadband penetration and digital roll-out, Pantami assured that the government would continue to intervene to address issues confronting mobile network operators (MNOs) and other players in the sector.

In his remarks, Sinfield said the company will continue to support the country’s economic transformation through the digital economy policy and strategy of the federal government.

Sinfield, who was appointed 9mobile CEO in June, also paid a courtesy visit to Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

He appreciated the NCC for supporting 9mobile during its transition period and its visionary regulatory oversight of the sector.