Nigeria has been recognized for its strides in digital transformation, securing a commendable 71% rating in a new report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The report, conducted in partnership with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Nigeria’s Communications Commission (NCC), assesses countries’ legal, policy, and governance frameworks against the G5 standard – a benchmark for advanced digital transformation readiness.
The report, titled “Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation,” places Nigeria among Africa’s top seven nations in terms of 5G readiness, highlighting the country’s potential for rapid deployment and adoption of advanced mobile networks.
Key findings from the report include Nigeria’s strong performance in regulatory capacity (91%), market rules (82%), and collaborative governance (81%). These results position the country as a leader in digital governance and policymaking within the region.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, expressed enthusiasm about the report, emphasizing its role as a roadmap for achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals. He commended the NCC’s adaptability and its expanded role in fostering a thriving digital ecosystem.
The ITU’s report offers valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. By leveraging its strengths in regulatory framework and collaborative governance, the country can accelerate its journey towards a robust and inclusive digital economy.
Responding, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who hosted the presentation, welcomed the indicators that promote effective regulation, attraction of greater investment, and development of innovative models for broader digital inclusion.
He emphasised that collaborative regulation would support Nigeria’s transition towards effective digital governance, evidence-based policymaking and agile regulation in the nation’s digital economy.
The ITU Report can be accessed through the link: https://www.itu.int/hub/publication/d-pref-them-33-2023/