Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering dedication to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. Emphasizing the pivotal role of innovation, he highlighted the NCC’s commitment to fostering the growth of talented young individuals and ventures in the country.
Danbatta made these remarks at the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE 2023) held recently in Lagos. The event, themed “Harnessing Indigenous Content for Economic Growth; Networking to Boost Investment,” serves as a pivotal platform for promoting, developing, and adapting indigenous content within the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
During his speech, Danbatta emphasized that NTICE is not merely an exhibition but a convergence of industry players that embodies innovation, resilience, collaboration, and progress. It offers a remarkable opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s achievements in telecommunications, technology, and indigenous content creation and adoption.
Highlighting the significant role of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, Danbatta pointed out that the sector played a vital role in lifting Nigeria out of recession, contributing 12.45% to the GDP in Q4 2020, which increased to 14.13% by Q1 2023.
Danbatta stressed the importance of nurturing and supporting the burgeoning talent pool within Nigeria. By showcasing indigenous innovations and providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs, NTICE aims not only to foster local talents but also to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship and creativity that will propel Nigeria onto the global stage of technological leadership.
Recognizing the digital divide within Nigeria, Danbatta urged stakeholders to seize the opportunities presented by NTICE 2023 to bridge this gap by advocating for accessible technology and ensuring that the benefits of innovation reach every corner of the nation.
In closing, Danbatta highlighted that inclusivity is crucial in driving equitable growth and empowering communities to actively participate in the digital revolution.
Engr. Babagana Digima, Team Lead NODITS, NCC, also emphasized the expo’s role as a hub of innovation and creativity, where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and collaborations are born. NTICE 2023 acts as a space where the synergy of diverse minds transforms into actionable strategies, propelling Nigeria towards new horizons of economic growth and sustainable development.
