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Tag: ICT

  • Pantami, Danbatta push for speedy growth of ICT across West Africa

    Pantami, Danbatta push for speedy growth of ICT across West Africa

    Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, and the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, have urged ICT experts across West Africa to be ambitious towards its growth in the area.

    The duo gave the push on Wednesday at the 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), currently holding in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

    They both believed that increased regional collaboration would speed up the development of a seamless telecommunications network and infrastructure across West Africa.

    They said it could be achieved through the formulation and implementation of sound regulatory policies, programmes and initiatives, thereby achieving the objectives of WATRA.

    In his opening remarks, Pantami described WATRA as a strong union having 16 countries in the region.

    He said that there was a tremendous advancement in the development of the telecommunications sector in West Africa with its liberalisation through the establishment of modern legal and regulatory structures for telecommunications delivery in the region.

    He stated that Nigeria was the largest mobile telecommunications market in Africa, largely based on rapid development following the successful auction of Digital Mobile Licences (DML) in 2001.

    He said that as at July 2020 the market served over 199 million Mobile lines, with over 150 million of those lines connected to Internet services by January 2021, which attributed to the development of policies and strategies for the Nigerian Digital Economy sector.

    He noted that in recognition of the tremendous economic growth opportunities afforded by the deployment of broadband technologies and to accelerate telecommunications service delivery in Nigeria, the government through the Ministry developed the National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria.

    He, however, said that the Plan was aimed at the significant reduction of access gaps through the expansion of broadband access across the country.

    “The Policy is based on eight key pillars, one of which is the development of solid infrastructure through the deployment of fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure to deepen broadband penetration in the country.

    “As at the time we commenced the process of drafting the Broadband Plan, our broadband penetration in the country was just over 33 per cent.

    “As a result of the implementation of the new plan, this broadband penetration significantly increased to 45.07 per cent by November 2020.

    “It is noteworthy to also mention that the Nigerian telecommunications sector grew by 15.9 per cent in year 2020 from 11.41 per cent in 2019 and 11.33 per cent in 2018.

    ”This is making it the highest growth rate in the last 10 years. Much as these figures are impressive, we remain committed to keep implementing initiatives to increase the delivery of telecommunication services in Nigeria,” Pantami said.

    Also, in his remarks, the host, Prof. Danbatta said WATRA’s potential in driving socio-economic development in the region was inestimable.

    He said that the time had come for all to come together and propel WATRA to achieve its true potential in putting the region at the forefront of ICT development within the continent and engender a truly digitised regional society.

    “To this end, we must come together and see our differences as strengths because at the end of the day, we all want to have a safe and thriving society devoid of poverty and strife.

    “We envision societies with necessary infrastructure and services that will ensure prosperity for all our people.

    “The key is “ICT” and WATRA is the best platform to pool together our huge natural and human resources to achieve exponential ICT growth which will in turn drive our economies,” he said.

    The EVC, who had invited the members for a tour to the WATRA Headquarters, also expressed optimism that the provision of a befitting office for the secretariat would galvanise the assembly towards the attainment of its collective mandate.

    He appreciated the efforts of the outgoing Executive Secretary, Mr El-haji Laminou, and members of the outgoing Executive Committee.

    On his part, the Chairman, WATRA Exco, Charles Tontoma Milogo, from Burkina Faso, thanked the Nigerian government, through the EVC, NCC, for hosting the meeting, adding that West African countries would rise to champion ICT development in the region.

    Dignitaries present at the two-day event were: The Minister of Post and Telecommunications for Liberia, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications for Sierra Leone, ECOWAS representatives and other stakeholders from West African Countries.

  • Nigeria reaches new high with high-speed Internet subscriptions

    Nigeria reaches new high with high-speed Internet subscriptions

    Subscriptions to broadband or high-speed Internet services in Nigeria have increased significantly to a peak of 82.7 million as at the end of August, 2020, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, disclosed this while speaking at a two-day first virtual Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS) 2020 organised by InnovationHub Africa, which started on Tuesday, September 5, 2020.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who presented the keynote speech at the Summit, noted that Nigeria’s quest to become a truly digital economy is on course with the launch of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) in November 2019.

    At the summit, with the theme: ‘Innovating in Critical Times’, Danbatta said the Commission has increased broadband penetration from less than 6 percent in 2015 to 43.30 percent by August 2020.

    This, according to him, translates to 82, 653,247 broadband subscriptions in the country.

    Represented by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde at the virtual conference, Danbatta said Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and, more specifically, broadband infrastructure has become the major backbone for government activities and local businesses.

    He said that such services require fast broadband and reliable connectivity, noting that NCC will continue to work assiduously with its stakeholders in ensuring that the nation’s ICT infrastructure is able to meet the increased demand for connectivity occasioned by the pandemic.

    “The NCC has been the major linkage in the drive for optimum economic development, as it remains the pioneer for all the major disruptions that would drive the nation’s economic reboot, especially the financial systems riding on electronic innovations.

    “These innovations are driven by the availability of a robust communications infrastructure made possible by the Commission’s continuous quest for investment in the sector,” he said.

    He further stated that for innovation to thrive, as the anchor for accelerating economic growth post COVID-19, a robust broadband infrastructure upon which ICT innovations will ride is a necessity.

    “The most important outcome of COVID-19 for us, as a nation striving for digital economy, is the need to continue to invest in infrastructure development in critical sectors of the economy, particularly the ICT sector, which has become the bastion of modern economies,” he said.

    He restated the NCC’s commitment to taking proactive steps toward stimulating investment needed to support a more robust and resilient broadband infrastructure that will spur digital innovations in the country.

  • Nigeria @60: Obasanjo gets encomium for bringing GSM to Nigeria

    Nigeria @60: Obasanjo gets encomium for bringing GSM to Nigeria

    Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, President National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has commended the growth of the telecommunication sector in Nigeria.

    Highlighting the benefits and challenges in the Nigerian telecoms sector, Ogunbanjo poured encomium on former President Olusegun Obasanjo for bringing the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) to the country in his time.

    He recalled the mobile network journey from 2001, stressing that the Obasanjo’s administration did well to ensure that the country went through the telecommunication process.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ogunbanjo made the commendation as key players in the telecommunication industry say Nigeria can attain greater height in digital penetration if it can increase its broadband.

    The key players in different interviews on Wednesday in Lagos, were x-raying the achievements of the country in the last 60 years of her independence.

    The NATCOMS president, however, said that there was room for improvement, advancement and sustainability in the operation of the telecommunication sector to meet up with the global practice.

    “The phone is now a companion; it is also for making money; it is what gives the daily meal to many, the OBJ administration did well to ensure that we went through the telecommunication process.

    “However, there is need to now start deploying more base stations and broadband to expand concentration of the technology, especially to the rural areas,’’ he told NAN in the interview.

    He suggested that the government should formulate a policy to dedicate a certain percentage of base stations and radio equipment for broadband penetration or internet usage, especially in rural communities or underserved areas.

    “Internet service should be extended to the underserved areas of Nigeria to encourage commercial engagement and business growth.’’

    Ogunbanjo said that there was a need to educate and allow rural dwellers to engage fully in the telecommunication sector, as the internet is famous for the ability to spread information.

    He noted that since the primary use of the internet is communication, it would aid the frequency and quality of interpersonal communication among people.

    The telecom expert also reflected on innovative ideas taking place in the telecommunications sector as part of the nine-point agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He said that the presidency started well by creating awareness and renaming the Communications Ministry as the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

    “The president has shown the importance of the technology sector, which is quite commendable.

    “It means that that sector’s effect is obviously showcasing and touching on all the sectors positively.

    Ogunbanjo also commended the efforts of Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta for pledging to promote and facilitate the expansion of robust broadband and information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure across the country.

    Another key player in the sector, Mr Olusola Teniola, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) suggested that the government could improve on the technology sector to help drive all the nine-point agenda.

    Teniola told NAN that this is possible through the introduction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based curricula into our education system.

    He said that such an idea should form the basis of producing a workforce of the future that will create the technology needed to prepare the youth for the fourth Industrial Revolution.

    He suggested that there should be collaboration among the Ministries of Science and Technology, Communications and Digital Economy and other government agencies like the National University Commission to provide a platform to build, promote and commercialise innovation into economic value.

    He rated Nigeria as a consumer of technology, rather than being a producer of technology.

    “There are vast opportunities for Nigeria to add value to the technology supply chain and create value-added solutions.

    “Gradually we can move up the chain by developing technology start-ups in an incubation process,’’ Teniola said.

    The ATCON president called on the federal government to do more by promotes innovations and taps into the talent base in the nation’s youth demography.

    “Running hackathons is a good starting point, like MTN.

    “However, more sustainable programmes that identify talents from a younger age and provide scholarships where necessary and support are needed to fuel the engine of innovation.’’

    He said that there was an opportunity to create the Nigerian version of online virtual meeting applications and not having to rely on applications that are not built for our local realities.

  • NITDA, NSIA partner on ICT start-ups

    NITDA, NSIA partner on ICT start-ups

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is to partner with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) towards generating investment in Information Communication Technology (ICT), start-ups to create jobs and wealth in the country.

    NITDA Director-General, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, said this on Thursday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit on Mr Uche Orji, the Managing Director of NSIA.

    Inuwa noted that ICT was taking over world economies, hence the need for massive investment that would result in IT infrastructure development in the country.

    “It is important to stimulate the IT industry through content localisation rather than importation from other countries, considering especially that the large population of Nigeria consists of young and brilliant innovators,’’ he said.

    The director general added that the agency initiated some projects to ensure valuable investments and sustain the ICT ecosystem during the COVID-19 lockdown in the country.

    Inuwa said such projects included the COVID-19 Innovation Challenge and the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA).

    “For the innovation challenge, young innovators were converged and they came up with technology solutions to cushion the effect of COVID-19.

    “NAVSA is an initiative to digitise our farming processes and it is already yielding positive result.

    “We have trained and equipped over 140 Nigerians who are already benefiting from the scheme and we are currently working to escalate it to every part of the country.

    “If we work collectively, we can achieve a lot,’’ he said.

    Responding, Orji said the collaboration would benefit the country in terms of developing its economy, especially now that ICT is contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “Our mission is to play a leading role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “We want to create economic stability in the country and IT is a great way to achieve that,’’ he said.

  • ICT sector grows as Nigeria’s GDP sees biggest decrease in a decade

    ICT sector grows as Nigeria’s GDP sees biggest decrease in a decade

    The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector of the Nigerian economy contributed an unprecedented 17.83% to the nation’s total real gross domestic product (GDP) in Q2 2020.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is 20.54% higher than its contribution a year earlier and in the preceding quarter, in which it accounted for 14.07%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    The ‘Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product Report’ for Q2 2020 released by the NBS on Monday showed that Nigeria’s GDP decreased by -6.10% (year-on-year) in real terms in the second quarter of 2020, the biggest decrease in a decade.

    According to the NBS, the decrease was largely attributable to significantly lower levels of both domestic and international economic activity during the quarter, which resulted from nationwide shutdown efforts aimed at containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

    An analysis of the NBS report showed that only 13 activities recorded positive real growth compared to 30 in the preceding quarter. While the non-oil sector contributed 91.07% to the nation’s GDP in Q2 2020, the oil sector contributed 8.93% to total real GDP, the ICT sector leading the way in the non-oil sector.

    When compared with the second quarter, 2019, which recorded a growth of 2.12%, the second quarter, 2020 growth rate indicates a drop of -8.22% points, and a fall of -7.97% points when compared to the first quarter of 2020 (1.87%).

    Consequently, for the first half of 2020, real GDP declined by -2.18% year on year, compared with 2.11% recorded in the first half of 2019. Meanwhile, quarter on quarter, real GDP decreased by -5.04%.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami has expressed excitement over the contribution of the ICT sector to the nation’s GDP.

    In a statement by Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Information Technology) to the Minister, Pantami noted that the contribution of ICT was unprecedented.

    He attributed the growing contribution of the ICT sector to the GDP to a direct result of the focused and committed effort of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the strategic policy directions of the Federal Government include the inclusion of Digital Economy in the mandate of the Ministry, the unveiling and implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy and the National Broadband Plan, amongst others.

    “As at July 2020, the broadband penetration in the country was 42.02%, translating to a percentage increase of almost double digits in less than 1 year. This is another remarkable achievement.

    “The unprecedented contribution of ICT to Nigeria’s GDP can also be attributed to dynamic and results-oriented leadership which has been acknowledged and appreciated by a wide spectrum of the stakeholders in the sector.

    “The support of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has contributed immensely to the impressive developments in the sector. Mr President is excited about the growth of the sector and commended the Honourable Minister when he heard of these achievements.

    “The GDP Report has shown how critical the ICT sector is to the growth of our country’s digital economy and, by extension, the general economy,” the statement read.

    The Minister called on all sectors to take advantage of the federal government’s new focus on the digital economy to enable and improve their processes through the use of ICTs.

    “This would enhance the output of all the sectors of the economy and boost Nigeria’s GDP,” he said.

  • NCC’s projects add significant value to Nigeria’s transformation – Danbatta

    NCC’s projects add significant value to Nigeria’s transformation – Danbatta

    The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has said that the various projects being executed by the Commission and other agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE) have been adding significant value to the digital transformation journey of Nigeria.

    Danbatta stated this during the 4th phase of the virtual commissioning of additional 12 digital economy projects implemented by agencies under the Ministry by the Minister, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, which also coincided with the Minister’s one year anniversary in office.

    He commended the Minister for creating a platform for the commissioning of the various projects executed by the agencies under the Ministry, which has helped to showcase the President’s achievements in leveraging Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to propel the economic development of the country.

    Addressing the audience at the event, comprising the Chairman of the occasion, Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, Federal Ministers, Heads of Agencies and other dignitaries, Danbatta said the projects are auspicious and will have a far-reaching positive impact on Nigerians, who are the ultimate beneficiaries.

    Explaining the value-addition, Danbatta stated that “through the various projects, we are building shared and sustainable prosperity for this country. We are also making governance more open and transparent because people are able to participate and have a say in the way and manner the country is governed.”

    In addition, the EVC said the “projects will eliminate poverty through skill development; and above all, we are creating a competitive and innovative economy through the promotion of the usage and deployment of various ICT applications and services in the economy.”

    According to Danbatta, “all these are value additions that are unprecedented in the sector, noting that the Commission is proud to be associated with the laudable achievements of the Ministry under the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital economy.”

    The 12 projects commissioned include the Virtual Examination Centre (VEC) at Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Kano State Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) in Kano State implemented by the NCC.

    Three of the projects, including an E-Library at Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State; E-Accessibility Centre (EAC) at Government School for the Deaf, Malumfashi, Katsina State; and School Knowledge Centre (SKC) located at AUD High School, Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, were executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of NCC.

    Other commissioned projects, which were executed by the National Information Technology Development Agencies (NITDA) include the Digital Capacity Training Centre in Elkanemi College of Islamic Theology, Yola, Adamawa State; and ICT Innovation Hub at Oyo State Trade Fair Complex, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The projects also include the digital capacity development programme for artisans (DCDP) with centres in Suleja, Niger State; LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State; National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), Owerri, Imo State and Benchils School, Warri, Delta State.

  • NCC Boss, Danbatta bags ATCON award

    NCC Boss, Danbatta bags ATCON award

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has received a distinguished award from the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

    The Award was presented to the EVC in his office in Abuja on Wednesday by ATCON President, Olusola Teniola in company of the association’s Executive Secretary, Ajibola Olude.

    Presenting the award, Teniola said it was in appreciation of the laudable contribution of the EVC of NCC towards the successful hosting of ATCON’s virtual national dialogue held for the industry on August 6, 2020.

    According to Teniola, ATCON is recognising and appreciating the EVC “for being a panel discussant on ‘Meeting the Interests of the Government, Consumers, Telecoms and ICT Companies in the Era of COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Pandemic Cum Digital Era’ dated August 2020.”

    Responding, the EVC appreciated ATCON for the gesture and for the critical role the association is playing in the overall development of the telecoms and ICT industry as a whole.

  • Gov. Okowa inaugurates ICT centre in Asaba

    Gov. Okowa inaugurates ICT centre in Asaba

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Friday in Asaba inaugurated a private-owned ICT centre, Westgate Technologies Limited with a 600 capacity Computer Based Test (CBT) centre, retail shop and training centre.

    In his remark at the event, the governor restated the commitment of his administration to provide an enabling environment for investments to thrive.

    Represented by the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Matthew Itsekiri, Okowa urged potential investors to take advantage of the prevailing atmosphere of peace in the state to invest in Delta.

    He described the ICT centre as a “magnificent investment,” saying that his administration was proud to be associated with the company.

    “The presence of this ICT hub in Asaba will save government the cost of going to Lagos and other parts of world for standard ICT products.

    “Before now, we go to Lagos to make purchases of ICT products and start negotiating for discounts but now that we have such here, it saves us time, risk and resources.

    “As a government, we are ready to make Delta a smart state in terms of ICT. I call on private entrepreneurs to support this drive in the development of ICT,” Okowa said.

    In a remark, the Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Technologies Limited, Mr Casmir Ezeudu, disclosed that the company had offered to train 2,000 students in the state drawn from public schools on ICT at no cost.

    He also stated that Westgate Technologies would organise technology summit for the youth within the host communities to develop their talents.

    “We will not just sell products but meaningfully contribute to the growth of the host community.

    “The centre is to undertake all forms of examinations, JAMB, NECO and be a training centre in the state.

    “Most of our employees are from Delta and so, for a start, there will be free computer training for 2,000 students from public schools in the state.

    “We are going to do this because we want to assist those who ordinarily cannot afford these ICT trainings and facilities,” Ezeudu said.

  • FG inaugurates 11 ICT projects nationwide

    FG inaugurates 11 ICT projects nationwide

    The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has inaugurated 11 projects in the various Information and Communication (ICT) centres across the country.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, during the virtually inauguration of the projects on Tuesday in Abuja, said they were related to three agenda of the Federal Government.

    The projects inaugurated included Tertiary Institution Knowledge Center and New Neighbourhood Post Office, both in Delta, and Remodeled National Mail Exchange Centre, Mbiama, Rivers.

    Others were e-Health/Data Sharing Centre, Bauchi, Virtual Examination Centre, University of Maiduguri, Information Technology Innovation Centre in Kogi and Information and Technology Capacity Building Centre in Jigawa.

    Also inaugurated were Information Technology Capacity Building Centre in Imo, Emergency Communication Centre in Ilorin, Kwara, and School Knowledge Centre, Gombe.

    “If you look at the projects, you will see that they are all related to the thee agenda of the Federal Government on Nigeria.

    “Number one is security. These emergency communication centres are part of the NCA 2003 Act. The emergency communications centres are to support security institutions. We have one in Kwara.

    “The second agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari is economic development.

    “The IT incubation centres being constructed all over the country and championed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will go a long way in promoting and supporting our economy, particularly economic diversification.

    “Thirdly, some of the projects related to e-governance will go along way in fighting corruption.

    “This is because the more our activities are digitalised, the less people will interact physically, and as long as you reduce interaction physically, definitely, you will reduce corruption significantly,” he said.

    Pantami said the projects were executed by the ministry in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and NIPOST.

    Speaking with journalists after the inauguration, the Governor of Imo, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, said the state had been using the emergency communication centres to tackle crimes.

    “You will recall that I lunched a few weeks ago, our security outfit and they are making use of the emergency communication centre. The emergency number is 112, courtesy of the NCC.

    “So, it is because of that I have invited the minister to come and commission the project. If you notice, the crime rate in Imo has gone down. We have been tracking down crime syndicates,” he said.

    Other dignitaries present at the event were: the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, among others.

  • Pantami commissions ICT projects to drive Nigeria’s digital economy

    Pantami commissions ICT projects to drive Nigeria’s digital economy

    The Kaduna Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside five Information Technology projects by other agencies under the Ministry Communications and Digital Economy have been commissioned by the Minister, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami.

    The NCC’s ECC project, which makes it possible for people of Kaduna and environs to dial 112 Emergency Number to get help during emergencies from appropriate emergency response agencies, is aimed at supporting the Federal Government agenda of enhancing security of lives and property in the country.

    NCC had built ECC in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Nineteen of the ECC have been activated while efforts are ongoing to extend it to other states.

    The Minister also commissioned the Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC) in Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of NCC. Three other projects by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), IT Community Centre in Katsina and IT Hub each in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Main Campus, Kaduna and University of Lagos, were also commissioned.

    The sixth project commissioned was the opening of Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)’s Northwest Regional Office in Kaduna.

    Speaking during the virtual commissioning of the projects, which took place at the NCC’s Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora District, Abuja on Thursday, July 23, 2020 and attended by all heads of agencies under the ministry, Pantami said the projects were all connected to the country’s digital economy drive, as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by the President in November last year.

    According to him, “these projects are connected to some of the pillars of the NDEPS, especially with respect to developmental regulation, digital literacy and skills, solid infrastructure, among others,” urging Nigerians, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects, to take advantage of the opportunities.

    He added that he would continue to work with other ministries, departments and parastatals of government to ensure teething challenges facing ICT infrastructure deployment in the country are addressed in other to deepen digital economy.

    Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the occasion, Babagana Zulum; as well as Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna and her counterpart in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who were guests of honour commended the ministry and its agencies for expanding the footprint of digital economy across the country.

    Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, and other heads of agencies under the Ministry, have commended the Minister for promoting synergy among the agencies under his supervision.

    According to Danbatta, “the projects will help in leading the country into a truly- digital economy.”

    He restated the Commission’s commitment to ensure a robust broadband infrastructure in the country, to support government’s initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.