By correspondent.
Prof.Umar Danbatta.
EVC,NCC.
The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Prof.Umar Danbatta says that access and the expansion networks have left an indelible impact on the lives of Nigerians.
He stated this in Abuja at a 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.
The NCC boss, represented by the NCC’s Director of Spectrum Administration, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, added noted that in recent years, the Nigerian telecommunications industry had embarked on a remarkable growth trajectory, solidifying its position as an engine of economic growth.
He expressed delight the enhancement of digital access and the expansion of NCC’s networks had left an indelible impact on the lives of the citizens.
The EVC said:” 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.”
Danbatta explained that to navigate this era of transformation, the commission must embrace innovation, make strategic investments, and cultivate a growth-friendly ecosystem.
He described platform as a gateway to innovative and disruptive solutions that capable of positively transforming the communications industry in the country.
The NCC EVC said this would be achieved by engaging in conversations about new technologies, collaborating with global best practices and subject-matter experts, as well as “pooling our insights, we open the door to unimaginable future possibilities.”
He called for grasping of the opportunity to investigate emerging technologies, envisage their potential applications, and determine how they could be leveraged to solve specific challenges.
Getting down to the substance of the forum, he noted that the problem at hand such as the
global data collected by the NRI team reve that digital transformation is a global imperative in order to maximize the social and economic effects of the digital era.
He said that this could create new inequalities which could hinder the ability of younger generations to engage in the digital economy, adding that, it also remained a powerful way to do more with less at all levels of income.
The NCC boss said he was not unmindful of the fact that formal education is evolving , adding that metrics were important to support informed policy-making process.
” This requires reskilling and upskilling opportunities to be available, accessible, and affordable in order to have more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.
“Nigeria is a telecommunications powerhouse, with 82% of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29% of the continent’s internet consumption.
“Our nation rates eleventh globally in terms of internet penetration and seventh in terms of mobile phone usage. “Despite these remarkable metrics, the fact that our Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking for 2022 is 109th out of 131 countries is both humbling and challenging?
“The NRI is a guiding metric that measures the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“It explores the performances of 131 economies in four key categories: technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and impact.
“As agents of social and economic transformation in our nation, prioritizing network readiness is not only a strategic necessity but a mandate,” Danbatta told the forum.
He expressed optimism that “throughout our deliberations, we will engage in thought-provoking forum discussions that explore the foundational pillars of NRI, through a number of presentations by renowned professionals in the technology landscape.
“As we convene here today, the innovation symphony resonates with our common goals.
According to him,the Emerging Technology Forum acts as a beacon, directing participants towards 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,” he further told the participants.
He commended the participants for their unwavering commitment, unrelenting pursuit of progress, and unwavering faith in the potential of the communications industry.
“Let us travel together, propelled by innovation, strengthened by collaboration, and united by the promise of a more prosperous digital future for Nigeria,” Danbatta urged them.
