The South East Zonal office of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy has been inaugurated in Anambra State.

 

In his speech during the inauguration which took place on 14th March, 2024, Federal Secretariat Complex, Awka, the State capital, the Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, one of the key policy thrust areas of the ministry is to ensure that frequency spectrum resources are deployed in such a way as to enable innovation and new technology to thrive.

The Minister represented by the Director, Radio Monitoring & Survey, Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Engr Enwerem Chidi, defined Frequency spectrum (Radio frequency) as that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum used in communication.

 

Tijani explained that as a natural but scarce resource, it can become a cash cow to any nation if efficiently and effectively used, but can also be a security threat if not properly managed.

The Communications Ministers disclosed that the ministry already has five existing zonal offices also called Radio Monitoring Centres located in each of the geopolitical zones at Azare in Bauchi State, to caters for the North East Zone, Gusau in Zamfara state, for the North West Zone, Ogoja in Cross River State, for South South Zone, Ipaja in Lagos State for the South West zone  and Abuja in the FCT for the North Central zone.

 

He intimated that the ministry decided to cite the one for South East in Awka Anambra State, to balance the spread of Federal government presence in this regard.

“Frequency spectrum (Radio frequency) is that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum used in communication, and as a natural but scarce resource, it can become a cash cow to any nation if efficiently and effectively used, but can also be a security threat if not properly managed.

 

“In other words, it is the communication link as far as wireless communication is involved.

 

“To  this end, the Federal Government exercises control over its use by way of regulation and policies which the ministry and her agencies champion.

“While the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) regulates the spectrum used for commercial purposes, the ministry takes charge or issue licenses for spectrum not used for commercial purposes (non-commercial) such as the ones used by government agencies, diplomatic corps, private and public security organizations and any individual that does not apply it for commercial venture.

 

“This, again, is necessary because frequency spectrum is the backbone of evolving wireless technology. However, it is sad to know that several persons that sell or use this resource are ignorant of the fact that licenses are required before sale or use of radio frequencies.

“Hence, the ministry dedicates an annual event called Radio Monitoring Week to create this awareness to the public that the use or sale of frequency enabled devices such as walkie-talkie without authorization/license from the ministry is illegal and liable for prosecution.

 

“It is in that regard that some staff of the ministry have been in the state since Monday, 11th March, 2024, with several activities aimed at sensitizing the public. The week long event has featured several activities amongst which include road show at Emeka Offor electronic and Electromart Markets in Onitsha, which held yesterday, distribution of flyers, radio/tv jingles etc.

“Incidentally, the hallmark of this year’s event is the inauguration of the South East Zonal office of the ministry which sets out to cater for the spectrum needs of the zone.

 

“Already, the ministry has five existing zonal offices also called Radio Monitoring Centres located in each of the geopolitical zones at Azare in Bauchi State, which caters for the North East Zone, Gusau in Zamfara state, for the North West Zone, Ogoja in Cross River State, for South South Zone, Ipaja in Lagos State for the South West zone  and of course, Abuja in the FCT for the North Central zone. Hence, there is need to balance the spread of Federal government presence in this regard which accounts for why the ministry decided to cite the one for South East here in Awka Anambra State.

 

“Thus, the inauguration of this center here, today, is not to witch-hunt anyone or group as it is being insinuated in some quarters, since similar centers already exist across the country as mentioned earlier, but to serve as liaison for all frequency needs of the good people of South East. All these are due to the importance attached to ensuring the judicious use of radio frequency spectrum with a view to ensuring that national and international standards are complied with. Illegal use of the spectrum can cause harmful interference to licensed users thereby disrupting seamless communication. Therefore, it is the duty of all Nigerians to show patriotism in this regard by ensuring that users or prospective users of radio frequencies, walkie-talkie, in particular, approach the ministry for licenses before deploying equipment, so as to avoid causing harmful interference to licensed users and also generate the required revenue to government.

 

Earlier in a message during the Road Show, the Permanent Secretary, Engr Faruk Yusuf Yabo, maintained that event underscores the need for citizens to adhere strictly to rules and regulations as stipulated by the Ministry.

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