The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is set to host a crucial one-day Strategic Stakeholders meeting on July 31, 2024, in Abuja with key government officials from all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to discuss strategies for harnessing the potential of technology to drive development.
With a focus on the theme “Harnessing States Potential through the Applications of Technical Efficiencies,” the meeting aims to foster collaboration between telecom operators and state governments to accelerate broadband penetration and address challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy.
In a statement signed by its President, Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, over 20 states have already confirmed their participation in this high-level gathering, underscoring the growing recognition of the telecom sector’s vital role in national development.
“The Abuja meeting is a critical step towards creating an enabling environment for the telecom sector to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development,” the statement disclosed.
Key objectives of the meeting, according to the statement include:
- Assessing the progress of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan and the 2023-2027 Strategic Blueprint.
- Encouraging telecom operators to expand their presence across the country and attract investments to states with favorable business environments.
- Securing state-level support for initiatives aimed at improving telecommunications infrastructure.
- Developing effective solutions to address issues such as right of way, multiple taxation, and base station vandalism.
- Signing a Memorandum of Understanding to prevent the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure.
The event will feature prominent speakers, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission.