ATCON advocates standard committee on ICT awards

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has expressed dismay over what it tagged “flagrant abuse of ‘Nigeria Telecom/ICT Awards’ by unknown fellows, just as it advocated for the setting up of “Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee” to harmonize the standards.

“… Even by organizations, groups and individuals who have no locus standi, experience, objectivity, expertise or link with the information and communications technology industry in Nigeria,” ATCON said.

A press statement signed by ATCON’s first Vice President, Chief Bayo Banjo and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. David Roberts, said the proposed committee would ensure a credible and internationally recognized and respected Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) awards in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), all ICT professional associations and concerned industry stakeholders.

The umbrella body of telecom companies in the country equally proposed that the committee would be all-encompassing in its composition.

The group urged support for Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee expected to set the mandatory standards for credible awards selection processes for the sector.

According to the press statement, a panel composed of respected, principled, objective, relevant and experienced professionals “should be selected or constituted by the NCC and the body of industry associations to handle the evaluation and selection processes in accordance with the provision of the Nigerian Digital Awards Standards Committee.”

They noted that it is on record that the communications industry in Nigeria is currently ranked second only to the oil industry, thus undisputedly one of the world’s fastest growing markets for mobile communications.

Pointing out that the industry regulator, NCC, today enjoys worldwide respect for its principled, professional and transparent handling of telecom licenses auction processes.

“In fact, Nigeria has led the world in many aspect of telecommunications development since the deregulation of the sector in 1992. All these have brought a sense of pride to our nation and we should not fold our arms and allow self-seeking individuals of group mar these achievements,” the group said.

For concerned ATCON, the dangers posed by indiscriminate and in most cases, frivolous awards which often do not follow standardized and credible processes of selection of awardees, is fast becoming a kind of scam which, if not curtailed now, could further erode Nigeria’s image and credibility both at home and abroad.

“What impression would be created if two or three separate companies turn up at an international function all claiming to be the ‘Nigeria Telecom Company of the Year 2007’?” they asked.


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