NCC to dump paper for automated numbering system
*Says move aligns with regulatory policy
By Tony Nwakaegho
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), has said that it would soon dump paper numbering, and replace it with modern system.
NCC gave this hint at a consultative forum held with a broad spectrum of stakeholders as part of the processes planned towards dumping paper numbering and introducing automated numbering system in Nigeria.
The telecoms’ regulator, headed by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, Professor Umar Danbatta, said this was consistent with the commission’s distinctive tradition of broad spectrum consultation prior to taking regulatory decisions.
Danbatta, who was represented by Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Ubale Maska, said during the consultation forum, informed the participants that, “Numbers are scarce resource and one of the core functions of the Commission is to ensure that this scarce resource is effectively and efficiently managed.”
He informed the participants that the automated system would be launched very soon by the Commission.
The CEO Molcon Multiconcepts Limited, Consultants to NCC on the project, Paul Dinwoke, also informed the participants that some of the benefits of the automated system include convenience, transparency, efficiency, easy tracking, ability to choose number options and strengthening of online payment systems.
Deputy Director Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, also told the participants that the deployment of automatic numbering management system is part of NCC’s efforts to automate her business processes within and outside the commission.
In attendance at the forum were stakeholders, including licensees of the commission and its workers.
