By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The strategy adopted by the federal government to transform the nation’s economy through the Digital Economy has received the support of 9mobile, one of the key players in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, Mr Alan Sinfield, during a visit to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, at his office in Abuja, expressed confidence that the strategy will propel the nation’s economy.
Mr Sinfield, who was accompanied by members of the management team, commended the Minister for his passion and vision for the industry, which he described as vital to the economy.
The CEO of the company was at the Minister’s office with the Executive Director, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs, Mr Abdulrahman Ado; the Company Secretary and Director, Legal, Ore Olajide, amongst others.
Responding, the Minister hailed the appointment of Mr Sinfield, a seasoned telecoms expert with global operational expertise as CEO of 9mobile, saying his experience represents what is needed in Nigeria’s telecoms sector at this time.
“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,” Mr Pantami said.
He also commended 9mobile’s growth plans as laid out by Mr Sinfield and assured that the government would continue to facilitate the enabling environment for the industry to thrive.
Speaking further, the Minister 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,” the Minister added.
Mr Pantami, who also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to improve broadband penetration and digital roll-out, said the government would continue to intervene to address issues confronting Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other players in the sector.
After the visit to the Minister, the 9mobile was at the office of the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, at NCC’s Zonal Office, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Mr Sinfield appreciated the NCC for supporting 9mobile during its transition period and its visionary regulatory oversight of the sector.
Mr Danbatta had, in turn, commended 9mobile’s excellent quality of service and urged the telco to sustain its growth momentum, assuring of the NCC’s continued support.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Adedapo Adesanya