Nigeria, A Telecommunications Powerhouse- Danbatta

• Nigeria’s Telecommunications Industry Has Been On A Remarkable Growth Trajectory

• Nigeria Is 7^th In Terms Of Global Mobile Phone Usage

• Ranked 11th On Global Internet Penetration Index

Nigeria is ranked 11^th globally in internet penetration, and 7^th in terms of mobile phone usage thus making the country a telecommunications powerhouse, boasting 82% and 29% of the continent’s telecom subscribers and internet consumption, respectively.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta who made this revelation, said that despite these remarkable metrics, the fact that the country’s Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking for 2022 is 109th out of 131 countries is both humbling and challenging.

He spoke while delivering his address at the ongoing two-day workshop on Emerging Technology and Forum for Telecommunication Industry, focusing on examining the issue of improving Nigeria’s ranking on the Global Network Readiness Index, which began on Thursday in Abuja.

Danbatta, who was represented at the forum by the NCC’s Director of Spectrum Administration, Engr. Abraham Oshadami said that as agents of social and economic transformation in the country, prioritizing network readiness is not only a strategic necessity but a mandate, especially against the backdrop of the finding that digital transformation is a global imperative to maximize the social and economic effects of the digital era.

The EVC noted that in recent years, the Nigerian telecommunications industry has embarked on a remarkable growth trajectory, solidifying its position as an engine of economic growth, adding that the enhancement of digital access and the expansion of the country’s networks have left an indelible impact on the lives of her citizens.

“While we celebrate these accomplishments, we are keenly aware that our dynamic society requires even higher connectivity, reliability, and accessibility standards. The surge in data utilisation, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the advent of artificial intelligence, and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies highlight the urgent need for ongoing network surveillance and expansion.

“This platform is our gateway to innovative and disruptive solutions that can positively transform our industry. By engaging in conversations about new technologies, collaborating with global best practices and subject-matter experts, and pooling our insights, we open the door to unimaginable future possibilities. Let us grasp this opportunity to investigate emerging technologies, envisage their potential applications, and determine how they can be leveraged to solve our specific challenges,” he said.

Danbatta further stated that the global data collected by the NRI team reveals it can create new inequalities which can hinder the ability of younger generations to engage in the digital economy, but also remains a powerful way to do more with less at all levels of income, noting that formal education is evolving, and metrics are important to support informed policymaking.

To this end, Danbatta advocated the need for reskilling and upskilling opportunities to be available, accessible, and affordable in order to have more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies and emphasized that the Emerging Technology Forum acts as a beacon, directing everybody toward the intersection of transformation and advancement.

“This forum is where we bridge the divide between aspiration and achievement. Through spirited dialogues, collaborative exchanges, and the exploration of emerging technologies, we move closer to our vision of a fully interconnected, telecommunications-driven Nigeria. Let us travel together, propelled by innovation, strengthened by collaboration, and united by the promise of a more prosperous digital future for Nigeria,” Danbatta concluded.

Earlier in his introductory remarks, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at the NCC, Engr. Ubale A. Maska said that the primary objective of the forum was to provide standard roadmaps and best practices that can be used to measure the impact of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) on the society and promote the adoption of new technologies.

He said the forum would review the latest findings of Nigeria’s NRI, explore various barriers and key drivers to the implementation of innovative technologies, and ultimately create actionable solutions to help move the industry forward.

“We live in rapidly changing times where the proliferation of digital transformation and the use of ICTs are inevitable. With the world becoming increasingly interconnected and our economic activities relying heavily on the digital space, it has become essential for countries to be at the forefront in terms of technology adoption. This is why the Network Readiness Index (NRI) is so important to measure the progress of a country as it relates to ICTs and digital transformation.

“Nigeria’s Network Readiness Index is a strong indicator of how the country is adapting to the digital transformation that is happening all over the world and will help us access our progress and position on the global digital train. This forum seeks to examine the different barriers and key drivers of emerging technologies as far as the Nigerian telecommunications industry is concerned,” Maska said.

He disclosed that the forum would explore the challenges that are present and discuss solutions to ensure that the country is making the most of the digital transformation, and expressed the hope that in the end, the forum should come up with valuable focal areas of discourse, with the hope of discovering innovative and effective ways of improving the Network Readiness Index in Nigeria.

Engr. (Dr) Chidi Diugwu, Head New Media And Information Security Department at the NCC had in his opening remarks stated that the forum aimed to establish a National Network Readiness Index (NRI) by exploring the driving factors of emerging technologies, further examining the sustainability and barriers of the NRI’s four pillars – Technology, People, Governance, and Impact.

He said that as a method used for monitoring access and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the NRI is an invaluable tool for identifying gaps, stimulating action, structuring policy dialogue, and tracking ICT readiness over time.

“The Tech Industry is a focal point of Nigeria’s growth, demonstrated by the recent investments in infrastructure and digital services. Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that Nigeria’s ICT sector contributed up to 14.07% to the total GDP in the first quarter of 2020, and this had grown to 17.47% by Q1 2023.

“The Federal Government’s focus on the Tech Industry, particularly on fostering the advancement and growth of technology, especially emerging and new technologies is highly commendable. This is one of the objectives of the NCC in its strategic pillar: Promotion of Digital Economy and is cascaded to the New Media and Information Security Department as one of its critical mandates. This goal of enhancing the productivity ecosystem is expected to result in a significant boost to the nation’s innovative capabilities in the coming years,” Diugwu said.