By Adedapo Adesanya
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Mr Umar Danbatta as the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This was disclosed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Isa Pantami, in a press statement by the spokesperson to the Minister, Mr Uwa Suleiman, over the weekend.
Mr Danbatta’s re-appointment was based on the recommendations of Mr Isa Pantami in an effort to consolidate on the gains made in the telecommunications sector during his first tenure.
The minister also added that his administration’s achievements have brought forth progress in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
While wishing Prof. Danbatta the best, the minister encouraged him to significantly improve on the overall performance of the commission as well as ensure that adequate mechanisms are put in place to facilitate the implementation of all policies of federal government through the ministry.
Furthermore, the minister enjoined him to ensure that the interests of telecommunication consumers, Nigerians and investors are adequately protected.
On August 4 2015, President Buhari appointed Mr Danbatta as EVC of the NCC in an acting capacity, taking over the helm from previous EVC, Mr Eugene Juwah, upon expiration of the latter’s five-year tenure.
On November 26, the Nigerian Senate confirmed his appointment as the EVC of the country’s telecom regulator where he has served for the past 5 years.
Mr Danbatta obtained his BEng and MSc degrees from the Technical University of Wroclaw in Poland, and his PhD from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), the UK.
He also served as a telecommunications lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology of Bayero University, Kano for 28 years. He was Dean of Faculty, Head of Department, Deputy and Acting Dean of Students, and later, the Director of the Centre for Information Technology.
