BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani has identified infrastructure, policy, innovation and entrepreneurship, and capital as strategic essentialities for the digital economy.
This was even as he stated that the government is committed to accelerating broadband deployment, attracting investment and expanding meaningful connectivity, particularly in underserved communities and local government areas.
He stated this at the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum on “Unlocking Infrastructure Investment through Data Transparency and Partnership”, organised in collaboration with the NCC, Swedfund and OOKLA in Abuja.
Tijani who was represented by the Director of National Frequency Management Council, Mr Adetunji Adeyemo informed that the government cannot achieve the scale of infrastructure development required alone, saying that public-private partnerships, innovative financing and a predictable investment environment were necessary.
He informed that reliable and transparent data would enable investors to identify connectivity gaps, assess demand, understand market opportunities and develop commercially viable projects with developmental impact.
The Minister encouraged the stakeholders to use the forum to identify practical investment opportunities and develop solutions to barriers constraining infrastructure development.
Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm hinted that gaps remained in coverage, quality, affordability and supporting infrastructure in spite of progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Westerholm said data on network performance and user experience could provide a more detailed picture of connectivity across the country, thereby strengthening planning, regulation and investment decisions.
She noted that digital connectivity required an ecosystem in which fibre infrastructure, reliable power, affordability, cybersecurity and digital skills were developed together, promising that Sweden remains committed to strengthening commercial and development partnerships with Nigeria, particularly in digitalisation and connectivity.
The Envoy informed that the success of the forum should ultimately be measured by partnerships formed, investment opportunities converted into projects and infrastructure built to connect more Nigerians.
Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr Aminu Maida hinted that NCC’s engagement with state governments on Right of Way is helping to address some of the costs associated with infrastructure deployment.
“The designation of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national information infrastructure by President Bola Tinubu has strengthened efforts to protect telecom assets,” he said.
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