The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has shared that Nigeria accounts for 82% of the total telecom subscriptions in Africa. This indicates that a significant portion of the continent’s telecommunications users are based in Nigeria, showcasing the country’s substantial presence in the African telecom market.
This was revealed by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta during the Emerging Technology Forum’s report for the Telecommunications Industry in Abuja. The EVC also revealed that Nigeria accounts for 29% of the continent’s internet consumption. These figures position Nigeria as the 11th country worldwide in terms of internet penetration and the 7th in mobile phone usage.
However, despite these impressive statistics, Prof Danbatta noted that Nigeria’s Network Readiness Index (NRI) remains relatively low.
Nigeria’s Network Readiness Index vis a vis telecom subscriptions
The NRI is a metric that assesses the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It also evaluates the performance of economies across four key categories: technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and impact.
In 2022, Nigeria was ranked 109th out of 131 countries in the NRI, indicating room for improvement in these critical areas. Network readiness is crucial because it serves as the foundation for social and economic transformation within a nation.
As highlighted by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the prioritization of network readiness is not just a strategic requirement but a mandate. This readiness involves having the technological infrastructure, governance structures, skilled workforce, and measurable impact necessary to effectively utilize Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The Executive-Commissioner of Technical Services at the NCC, Ubale Maska, added that the NRI serves as a strong indicator of how well a country is adapting to the global digital transformation.
Leveraging Emerging Technology Forum in Nigeria
The Emerging Technology Forum for the Telecommunications Industry provides a platform to deliberate on the key pillars of network readiness. Through thought-provoking discussions and presentations by experts in the field, the forum aims to explore the fundamental aspects of the Network Readiness Index (NRI). This index assesses an economy’s ability to leverage technology for positive transformation.
The forum also symbolizes the convergence of innovation and progress, guiding participants towards a convergence of transformative ideas and advancements. It’s a place where the gap between aspirations and accomplishments is bridged. Through collaborative conversations and the exploration of emerging technologies, the goal is to bring Nigeria closer to its vision of becoming a fully interconnected, telecommunications-driven nation.
The adoption of insights from the Network Readiness Index (NRI) holds the potential to unlock new opportunities, bridge the digital divide, and pave the way for a prosperous and inclusive digital future for Nigeria. This approach, as highlighted by Dr Chidi Diugwu of the NCC, would help the country tap into the benefits of emerging technologies and ensure that the benefits are distributed widely across society.
Objectives of the forum
The primary goal of the forum is to establish standard roadmaps and best practices that can assess the impact of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) on society while promoting the adoption of new technologies.
The forum’s objectives include reviewing the most recent findings of Nigeria’s NRI, understanding the obstacles and driving forces behind the implementation of innovative technologies, and devising practical solutions to bolster the telecommunications industry.
This collective effort seeks to enhance Nigeria’s readiness for the digital age and maximize the benefits of ICT for the nation’s growth and development. Leveraging emerging technologies involves utilizing new and innovative technologies to achieve various goals.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, the Head of New Media and Information Security, emphasized the importance of utilizing insights provided by the Network Readiness Index (NRI) to shape policies, investments, and collaborations.
By incorporating the guidance of the NRI, stakeholders in the telecommunications sector can make informed decisions that allow the country to tap into the potential of emerging technologies. This includes investing in the development of human capital, and ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to adapt and thrive in a technology-driven environment.
In addition, fostering a culture of innovation becomes possible when policies are aligned with the capabilities highlighted by the NRI. Embracing the insights from the NRI facilitates a strategic approach to incorporating emerging technologies, leading to a more connected and technological advancement.
Read More: Nigeria’s internet subscribers grew by 9% in 2022, hitting 154.8m – NCC Report
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