The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami has been scheduled to preside over the award of contracts for the provision of broadband infrastructure for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), as well as for tertiary and higher institutions of learning across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
A statement from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Mouka, stated that the event will take place on Thursday this week with the commencement of landmark broadband initiatives to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
According to the statement, the broadband initiative will accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria and advance the course of digital economy projections for the nation.
The list of projects for the various geopolitical zones that are set for the launch was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), after a presentation by the Minister. The projects are expected to be completed within six months, from the date of the award.
Well-known tech companies have been selected through a transparent tendering process by the NCC for the implementation of strategic projects.
The event is expected to attract multi-stakeholders from academia, technology enthusiasts, including prospective start-up companies, fintech organisations and other interested sectors, whose activities are billed to energize the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030.
The provision of broadband infrastructure for the MSMEs in Nigeria, and for tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country will add the necessary fillip towards achieving the major objectives spelled out in the NDEPS 2020-2030.
Meanwhile, the Minister will also use the occasion to present a book, SKILLS RATHER THAN JUST DEGREES, which is authored by him, with a foreword written by Brad Smith, President, Microsoft Corporation.