Science & Tech
IN a major move to facilitate its digital transformation agenda, Nigeria has officially inaugurated the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is aimed at accelerating the country’s digital growth and bridging broadband gap.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida announced the development during the inauguration of NBAN in Lagos on Tuesday.
Maida stated that NBAN represented a transformative step forward in Nigeria’s digital future, going beyond just building broadband infrastructure, but to create a foundation for sustainable growth, social inclusion, and economic transformation.
He said that broadband was not merely a communication tool, but the cornerstone of progress in an increasingly digital world, unlocking economic growth, innovation, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians.
The NCC boss highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, private sector, regulators, and civil society in achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
According to him, the true potentials of Nigeria’s digital economy could only be realised through collective efforts.
He stressed that NBAN offered a comprehensive framework to overcome obstacles hindering broadband expansion, including high-rises, infrastructure vandalism, investment barriers, and the need for demand-driven solutions.
Maida added that the inauguration of NBAN was a pivotal moment in driving collaboration and tackling key challenges, ensuring that broadband connectivity became a powerful catalyst for job creation, innovation, economic growth, and social development.
He noted that the alliance was a testament to the dedication of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, to the spirit of collaboration for the greater good.
Acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu, the NCC EVC said that the government had firmly positioned technology and innovation as pillars of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Maida said that Tinubu had shown commitment to securing and strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through the recent signing of the Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure.
In her remarks, Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Kaduna State, Patience Fakal, said that broadband connectivity was the backbone of economic growth, innovation, and inclusion.
Fakal said that the inauguration of NBAN was a key initiative in driving digital transformation in Nigeria.
She highlighted Kaduna State’s proactive efforts in implementing policies and partnerships that drive digital transformation, including the development of a 30-kilometer active connectivity network, and the signing of an MOU with Huawei Technologies to expand fiber optic infrastructure.
“Kaduna State has established a new technology city, an emerging smart city designed to foster digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creatio.
“It has also developed the Kaduna Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, a first-of-its-kind initiative among Nigerian states to empower youth in ICT-driven enterprises, “Fakal said.
The commissioner expressed Kaduna’s eagerness to collaborate with NBAN to further its broadband expansion, digital literacy programmes, and smart governance initiatives.
Fakal said further that the state would also work closely with the Minister of Innovation and Digital Economy, NCC, NITDA, and other stakeholders to bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for the people.
Similarly, Director General, Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology, Naufal Ahmad, expressed his support for the inauguration of NBAN.
He noted that the Alliance would help address the challenges of broadband expansion in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas.
Citing instances, he shared Katsina State’s experience in connecting over 80 per cent of government offices within the government seat, including the government house, state secretariat, state assembly, and courts, through a single ring network.
Ahmad highlighted the importance of broadband connectivity in driving economic growth, innovation, and social development, and noted that Katsina State was committed to expanding broadband access to all local government areas.
According to him, the inauguration of NBAN was a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals
He expressed his commitment to working with the Alliance to drive broadband expansion and digital transformation in Nigeria. (NAN)
4th February, 2025.C.E
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