The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has showcased some of its initiatives aimed at driving innovations and startup ecosystem at a two-day Zonal Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Innovation Forum organised by the Commission in Enugu recently.
These initiatives, according to the Commission include the aggressive and ongoing implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan NNBP), 2020-2025 aimed at increasing broadband penetration to 70 per cent by 2025; driving of the implementation of the National Digital Economy and Policy Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030; and the implementation of the NCC’s Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-2024, all of which are streamlined in the Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) 2021-2025 to ensure regulatory effectiveness.
“As a key driver in the ICT industry and a responsive organisation, we have implemented deliberate policy and initiatives to create an enabling environment for Nigerian startups to thrive and scale up for more global impact and value creation,” said Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta at the event.
Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, Research and Development, NCC, Kelechi Nwankwo, declared that other similar initiatives emplaced by the Commission to facilitate the development and sustainability of the tech startup ecosystem are the ICT Hubs Support and Engagement Programmes; the annual ICT Innovation Competition and Exhibition; the Annual Hackathon, as well as the ongoing development of ICT parks across the country.
He noted that the current momentum being witnessed in the Nigeria’s tech space is no doubt attributable to the regulatory approach of the Commission.
The annual event, with the theme: “Digital Societies and Emerging Technologies: Leveraging ICTs to Build Information and Knowledge Societies for Achieving the Nation’s Digital Economy”, was attended by representatives of strategic partners of the Commission, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), tech hubs, innovators and tech entrepreneurs, as well as venture capitalists, among others.