Henry Umoru
30 October 2008
Federal government has projected that the market value of the nation's telecommunication industry would hit a total of $10 billion by 2010.
Speaking at the opening of the 5th edition of "Bridges Across Borders" (BAB) conference held at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Engr. Charles Ugwuh who noted that the current 50 million telecom subscriber base with the current value put at $5 billion per annum, said the Nigerian average spending on telephone service is about N2, 570 per month.
The Conference is being organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and it participated in the event for the first time in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2006 with other 13 countries in attendance.
According to him, there is the tendency that the present 50 million subscribers will keep growing as new investors enter into the sector, just as he stressed that the liberalisation of the telecommunication industry in 2001 has brought about new investment in the business environment.
The Minister who noted that the sector accounts for 50-60 per cent of economic activities in most developing countries and over 70 per cent in some developed ones, said, "Services are essential inputs into virtually all products, including those in the manufacturing and agriculture."
Ugwu, who expressed optimism in having virile associations relating to industries as well as establish networks said that this would help foster partnerships and formation of linkage with counterparts in other markets, adding, "Association or networks like the bridges Across Borders (BAB) and the African Outsourcing Association can also play an active role in standard setting for the industry.
"Self-regulation and the implementation of a code of professional conduct are hallmarks of effective industry associations that can be used to the advantage of African continent since we are new entrant to this market. This I believe should be the basis of the establishment of the association".
Speaking earlier, the Acting Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mr. Aliyu Lawal who noted that the results of the bilateral consultations held by participating firms in Johannesburg triggered the council to hold the event in the ECOWAS sub-region, said, "Negotiations at the event between NEPC, Ghana Export Promotion Council delegates and ITC informed the decision to hold the event in the ECOWAS sub-region."
He said a total of 43 delegates representing service organisations and firms from Nigeria, led by the council participated and they included the Lagos Business School (LBS), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Association of Professional Women Bankers of Nigeria.
Others included network of Nigerian Women Exporters of Services (NNWES), First Bank of Nigeria plc, Union Bank, BTS systems ltd, VPN Communications Fullmesh Computers, among others.
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