The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently organised the Emerging Technology Forum for the telecommunications industry, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria’s Network Readiness Index (NRI).
During the forum, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, highlighted the remarkable growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry and its impact on the country’s economy. However, Nigeria’s ranking in the NRI for 2022 was comparatively low, necessitating efforts to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
The forum provided a platform for discussions on re-skilling opportunities, informed policy making, and enhancing network readiness to improve Nigeria’s NRI ranking and maximise the benefits of the digital era.
Renowned professionals in the technology landscape presented on the foundational pillars of the NRI, stimulating thought-provoking discussions and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders. The forum aimed to guide the telecommunications industry towards transformation and advancement, encouraging innovation and cooperation.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Danbatta expressed appreciation for the commitment and progress demonstrated by participants and urged them to continue embracing innovation and working together to create a prosperous digital future for Nigeria.
Through a continued focus on innovation and collaboration, the Nigerian telecommunications industry aims to position itself as a leader in the digital landscape, driving economic growth and prosperity for the nation.
In his opening remarks, Engr. Chidi Diugwu, Head of the New Media and Information Security Department, highlighted Nigeria’s ICT sector’s significant contribution to the country’s GDP and emphasised the progress made in ICT infrastructure.
The NRI aims to assess and address areas of improvement in affordability, digital skills, and adoption of digital services. Engr. Diugwu stressed the importance of utilising NRI insights to guide policies and investments, fostering innovation and bridging the digital divide for a prosperous and inclusive digital future. He further explained that the NRI aimed to generate actionable outcomes in harnessing emerging technologies for Nigeria’s advancement.
Also Engr. Ubale A. Maska, the Executive Commissioner – Technical Services of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in his remarks at the Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry said that the forum aimed to shed light on the Network Readiness Index (NRI) within the Nigerian telecommunications sector, offering guidelines and best practices for evaluating the impact of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) and promoting the adoption of new technologies.
