The Executive Vice- Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has identified innovations and huge investments in technological assets as essential requirements to bridging the current skill gap being witnessed in the Nigeria’s technological attainment quest.
Professor Danbatta made the assertion in his address at the 2 day forum on Emerging Technology for the telecommunications Industry which had the theme ‘Contextualizing the Network Readiness Index (NRI) for the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry” holding in Abuja, on Thursday, 24th, 2023.
According to the NCC boss, “to navigate this era of transformation, we must embrace innovation, make strategic investments, and cultivate a growth-friendly ecosystem”
He disclosed that while the NCC has made significant progress as an engine of economic growth having embarked on a remarkable growth trajectory, solidifying its position and enhancing digital access and expansion of our networks; the indelible impact so created in the lives of our citizens is quite commendable.
He argued that although recent accomplishments, were worth celebrating, the commission is not oblivious of the fact that
our dynamic society requires even higher connectivity, reliability, and accessibility standards as 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.
Professor Danbatta who was represented at the forum by the NCC’s Director of Spectrum Administration, Engr. Abraham Oshadami said the platform provided an opportunity for stakeholders in the telecoms sector to dialogue and proffer solutions to emerging challenges in the digital ecosystem. “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” he added.
While reiterating the need to maximize the social and economic effects of the digital transformation in this era and the new inequalities which It can create as a hindrance to the ability of younger generations to engage in the digital economy, professor Danbatta emphasized the need for reskilling and upskilling opportunities to be made 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” he declared.
The NCC helmsman who insisted that the Commission 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, charged participants to grasp the opportunity provided by the forum to investigate emerging technologies, envisage their potential applications, and determine how they can be leveraged to solve our specific challenges.