By Eyo Nsima
The Federal Government has concluded plans for the Nigeria Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS) to serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) targeted at driving Local content in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.
In its National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, the government stated: “The Nigeria Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS) will serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the purview of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to stimulate the development of indigenous content in the telecommunications sector of Nigeria. NODITS will implement this Policy, as well strategies, standards, guidelines and frameworks aimed at developing indigenous content in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.”
On its functions, it stated: “The main functions of NODITS are to support the creation and implementation of guidelines for the development of the indigenous content for the telecommunications sector; stimulate the growth of the sector through a focused, sustainable and incentives-based approach that encourages the active participation of the indigenous telecom operators; liaise with the Office for Indigenous Content Development at NITDA; (Quarterly Meeting)- for synergy and convergence of digital technologies; facilitate the sourcing of indigenous products, manpower and services across the entire value chain of the telecom sector; and evaluate and endorse Indigenous Content plans for operators in the telecom sector, create a platform for research and capacity building programs that prepares Nigerians to play a leading role in the telecom sector; promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom sector; promotion of indigenous phones and other telecommunications equipment; create and update a roadmap for the implementation of this Policy and ensure active monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for promoting indigenous content in the telecommunications sector; and to monitor indigenous content compliance by operators and service providers.”
On research and development, the government, stated: “The telecommunications sector is an example of a sector that relies on constant innovation in order to thrive. The level of innovation adopted by telecom institutions can distinguish them from their competitors. Research and Development (R&D) activities provide the bedrock for such innovation. In line with global best practice, most leading telecommunication companies around the world have a dedicated and well supported R&D team. It is necessary to ensure that telecom companies in the country also create a well- supported R&D team to drive innovation in their institutions as well as in the telecommunications sector.
“Indigenous telecommunications companies are encouraged to actively participate in the activities of Standards Development Organisations (SDOs) for a where telecommunications standards are set. These SDOs provide a platform for learning and innovation and have been critical in advancing and disseminating technological standards throughout the world.”
It also added: “The objectives of the Research and Development are to support win-win partnerships and knowledge transfer between indigenous and foreign companies; support research and development efforts aimed at advancing the impact of indigenous content in the telecom sector; drive the inclusion of telecommunications-related training and in the curricula of tertiary and skills-based institutions; to mandate telecom institutions to create a platform for research and development within the country; and to encourage and incentivise the participation of indigenous research institutions, operators, and telecom equipment manufacturing companies in deliberations at the appropriate Standards Development Organisations.”
