The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is driving digital transformation initiatives to boost Nigeria's digital economy and bridge existing digital divides. This move is aimed at expanding economic opportunities through digital skills development, particularly for underserved populations. The NCC's efforts are in line with its commitment to supporting digital transformation programs across the country.
Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, emphasized the regulator's commitment to digital transformation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Abuja. Maida, represented by Babagana Digima, Director of Research and Development at the NCC, highlighted the commission's transformation of its internal operations from paper-based communication to a digital system.
The NCC has encouraged industry stakeholders to adopt digital processes, citing the benefits of digital transformation in making information easier to manage and access while improving efficiency and accountability. This move is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's economic productivity. The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), established with NCC support, plays a crucial role in addressing skill gaps in the telecommunications sector.
During the visit, DBI announced that it has secured approval to operate as an ITU Digital Transformation Centre (DTC), making it the first institution globally to hold dual status as both an ITU Academy Training Centre and an ITU DTC. This recognition was made possible with the support of the NCC. DBI's President, David Desser, acknowledged the regulatory backing that enabled the recognition.
The ITU's DTC initiative, launched in 2019 in partnership with Cisco, has trained over 870,000 people globally at no cost to participants, targeting rural communities. Women account for over 52 percent of beneficiaries across the 16 active centres worldwide, eight of which are in Africa. The training aims to expand opportunities for people with limited access to digital skills development.
Robin Fish, Senior Digital Skills Officer at the ITU, outlined the scope of the DTC network and DBI's role in the regional network. The collaboration between the NCC and global bodies like the ITU aims to build human capital for Nigeria's digital market. As regulators across Africa work to translate connectivity into economic output, the NCC's efforts are crucial in driving digital inclusion and economic productivity.
The NCC's collaboration with the ITU and DBI is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's digital economy. With the support of the NCC, DBI has secured approval to operate as an ITU DTC, making it a pioneer in the global digital transformation landscape. The initiative is poised to drive digital skills development and bridge existing digital divides in Nigeria.
Key points
- The NCC is driving digital transformation initiatives to boost Nigeria's digital economy and bridge existing digital divides.
- The Digital Bridge Institute has secured approval to operate as an ITU Digital Transformation Centre, making it the first institution globally to hold dual status.
- The ITU's DTC initiative has trained over 870,000 people globally at no cost to participants, targeting rural communities.
