In a highly anticipated keynote speech delivered at the 13th Annual Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum/Africa Digital Award held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos on Saturday, November 18, 2023, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized the crucial role of digital transformation in shaping the future of Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape.
Despite being unable to attend the event in person, Dr. Maida’s insights resonated through the eloquent delivery of Mr. Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, who stood in for the EVC. The audience, comprised of industry stakeholders, government officials, and technology enthusiasts, eagerly absorbed the wisdom shared during the keynote address.
Dr. Maida began by acknowledging the transformative power of ICT in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the overall quality of life for Nigerians. He stressed the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to create an enabling environment for technological advancements.
The EVC highlighted NCC’s commitment to ensuring a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development, policy frameworks, and regulatory initiatives. Dr. Maida outlined the commission’s strategic plans to enhance broadband penetration, foster digital inclusion, and address cybersecurity challenges.
Addressing the audience’s concerns about the digital divide, Dr. Maida shared NCC’s initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between urban and rural areas. He underscored the importance of leveraging technology to empower underserved communities, providing them with equal access to educational, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The keynote address delved into the impact of emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) on Nigeria’s digital future. Dr. Maida articulated the NCC’s role in facilitating the deployment of these technologies while ensuring regulatory frameworks that safeguard national security and consumer interests.
As the keynote speech concluded, the audience erupted in applause, acknowledging the significance of Dr. Aminu Maida’s vision for Nigeria’s ICT sector. The 13th Annual Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum proved to be a pivotal moment in charting the course for the country’s digital evolution, with stakeholders inspired and motivated to contribute to the realization of a technologically advanced and inclusive Nigeria.
