From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has officially appointed new board members for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), key agencies under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement said Idris Olorunnimbe has been named Chairman of the NCC, while Aminu Maida continues in his role as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. President Tinubu also confirmed the appointment of Maida in October 2023, with Senate approval following in November 2023.
Speaking on Olorunnimbe’s appointment, a presidential spokesperson said, “Mr Olorunnimbe brings valuable experience from his time on the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Board, where he led efforts to advance youth employment and entrepreneurship. His leadership will be vital in steering the NCC towards greater innovation and stakeholder engagement.”
The newly constituted NCC board members include Abraham Oshidami (Executive Commissioner, Technical Services), Rimini Makama (Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management), Hajia Maryam Bayi, Col Abdulwahab Lawal (Rtd), Lekan Mustafa, Chris Okorie, Oforitsenere Emiko, and the Secretary to the Board.
Separately, the President approved the USPF board with the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, serving as Chairman. Idris Olorunnimbe also holds the position of Vice Chairman on this board. Other members include Abraham Oshidami, Rimini Makama, Aliyu Edogi Aliyu (representing the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy), Joseph B Faluyi (Federal Ministry of Finance), Auwal Mohammed (Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning), Uzoma Dozie, Peter Bankole, Abayomi Anthony Okanlawon, Gafar Oluwasegun Quadri, and the USPF Secretary.
The Universal Service Provision Fund was established by the Federal Government to promote universal access to information and communication technologies, specifically targeting rural, unserved, and underserved areas across Nigeria.
The statement emphasised the importance of these appointments: “These boards will play a crucial role in accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy and ensuring that cutting-edge communication technologies benefit all Nigerians, no matter their location.”
