In the spirit of New Year, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) and Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have tasked both the populace and government on how to move the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector forward.Whereas ALTON called on the government to reduce the tax payable on importation of telecommunications equipment, NIG stressed on adaptation of technologies especially the Internet into daily activities in the country, even as ATCON offered advice to Nigerians on the forthcoming general election, saying only candidates with ICT at heart should be considered.
The three groups spoke through their leaders including ALTON chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, NIG president, Mr. Lanre Ajayi and ATCON president, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.
For Mr. Adebayo, while wishing Nigerians a blissful 2007, noted it is a critical year that requires immense support for the leadership of the government given that it is an election year.
This, he said, would boost their moral to improve upon what has been achieved in recent times.
He also urged the government to reduce the duties on telecom equipment coming into the country, even as he described the duties as being too stringent.
In addition, he called on government to encourage indigenous manufacturers of telecom equipment in Nigeria.
He said that by December 31, 2007, ALTON expects the country should have a minimum of assembling plant for telecommunications terminals’ equipment.
NIG President, Mr. Ajayi, in his New Year message enjoined Nigerians to get used to applying ICT in their daily lives. He said ICT has the potential of changing their lives mostly for creating jobs for youths.
He cited the instance of using the Internet profitably, saying it would go a long way in advancing the laundering of Nigeria’s image globally.
According to him, the nation witnessed improved infrastructure deployment, NIG thus called for steady change of the environment for the better and growth of the ICT industry in Nigeria.
ATCON President, Dr. Ekuwem, on his part counseled Nigerians to make sure their votes are met for those who have ICT at the bottom of their political hearts.
Further, he called on the in-coming government after the 2007 election to be ICT compliant, thereby positioning the nation appropriately among ICT nations.
He declared, “Whoever that has no digital message or its component in their programme, should not be voted for.”
ITRealms Online also join the nation’s ICT community in wishing our readers a joyful 2007.
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