*Tasks Commission on synergy, policy implementation
By Ted Okoh
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has inaugurated Prof. Mansur Bindawa, as a non-executive commissioner on the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Speaking at his induction, Pantami said Bindawa’s journey into the Commission followed the laid-down laws establishing the Commission.
“The inauguration of Prof. Bindawa into the NCC board is in fulfilment of the requirements of Nigerian Communication Act (NCA), 2003, which stipulates that the Board of Commissioners of NCC shall constitute of three executive commissioners and six non-executives commissioners, selected based on proven integrity and diversity in their expertise in different professional spheres,” he said.
Inaugurating him in his ogfice at the NCC’s Communications and Digital Economy Complex in Abuja on Monday, Pantami congratulated Bindawa and describing his appointment as fitting.
The Minister also challenged Bindawa to cooperate with other Board members of the Commission for effective regulatory operations that will benefit the Commission’s staff, stakeholders and the Nigerian economy at large.
In his remarks, Chairman, Governing Board of NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande, who led Bindawa and other Board members to the Minister, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for “fortifying the Commission with intellectuals ready to work together for the advancement of the technological ecosystem.”
Akande stated excitedly, that, “Bindawa is the fourth professor on the board of the NCC and his professional experience and expertise will further strengthen the Board.”
“The profile of Professor Bindawa has preceded him as a distinguished humanist, and we believe that his presence will be of immense benefit to the Commission,” he said.
Speaking, NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive, Prof. Umar Danbatta, thanked the Minister for his interest in policy implementation and for preserving the autonomy of the board and management to discharge their functions effectively as a regulatory institution.
Danbatta assured the new board member of a work atmosphere characterised by cordiality and friendship where regulatory issues of national interest are resolved through intellectually-engaging deliberations for the progress of the Commission and the nation.
Bindawa, responding, appreciated the government for the opportunity to serve through the NCC, and pledged to deliver on the set mandates of the Commission, promising to cooperate with the Board and Management.
Bindawa’s inauguration followed his nomination in a letter dated January 10, 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequent confirmation of the nomination by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on March 1, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.
