When it comes to digital transition, Nigeria has emerged as one of the top seven African nations according to the BEMECS 5G Readiness Index, which assesses the continent’s preparedness for the deployment and adoption of mass-market 5G networks. In terms of preparation for the transformation, Nigeria is ranked 71% by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This was revealed in a statement released by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The report was conducted by the ITU, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the NCC conducted the report.
The report, titled “Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation,” was delivered by ITU’s Kagwira Nkonge at the Digital Economy Complex in Mbora. A wide range of key industry participants were shown it, including service providers, governmental organizations, multilateral institution representatives, the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), and the Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU), among others. The research suggests that in order to guarantee the involvement of business, academia, and other non-governmental stakeholders, policy execution and the application of policy design principles must be maintained and safeguarded.
Government committed to using the report as a roadmap.
It provided an empirical study for cooperation Regulation assessment in order to evaluate and aid Nigeria’s shift to evidence-based policymaking, responsive Legislation in the digital economy, and coordinated digital governance. The G5 Advanced State of Readiness, which is the level of telecom regulatory maturity towards digital transformation readiness, was used to evaluate the nation’s policies and regulatory environment based on the framework’s pillars. With an advanced degree of readiness measured against four essential levels of accomplishments—national collaborative governance, policy design principles, digital development toolbox, and digital economic policy agenda—Nigeria is currently ranked G4.
In terms of regulatory capability, the nation received scores of 91%, 82% in market rules, 81% in collaborative governance, 76% in the area of legal instruments for the ICT and telecom sectors, and 69% in the area of the National Digital Agenda Policy. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani praised the ITU, partner agencies, and consultants that helped to actualise the report. He also expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to using this report as a roadmap to achieve regulatory goals and the policies outlined in order to create a strong digital economy.
70 percent broadband penetration target by 2025.
Developmental progress illustrated in the report shows the effective execution of various government programs and initiatives over time. The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which aspires to make Nigeria a leading digital economy by 2030, is one of the most recent advancements in Nigeria’s digital revolution. The policy’s main objectives are to improve digital infrastructure, advance digital skills and literacy, encourage innovation, strengthen cybersecurity, and advance e-governance. Also, there has also been a noticeable advancement in boosting Broadband access, digital literacy, Internet Access expansion, and Fintech innovation promotion.
As slated in the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), the country targets 70% broadband penetration by 2025. In an effort to increase connection, particularly in remote and underserved areas, 4G and 5G networks as well as fiber optic cable Infrastructure are being implemented. Several types of programs have been initiated to improve Nigerians’ digital abilities and literacy. Many more Nigerians will be trained in coding, digital skills, and other tech-related competences as part of initiatives like the Digital Skills for All program and collaborations with tech businesses, with the goal of preparing them for the digital economy.
Related Article: Nigeria’s digital learning receives a boost
With Communication Service Providers (CSPs) developing their 5G strategies to meet the changing needs of businesses and consumers, the country is working towards a more efficient connection. Ericsson is actively engaging with digital talent through significant programs like the Ericsson invention Awards (EIA), a worldwide invention competition for college students. Nigeria aims to join the ranks of leading nations like Germany, Finland, and Singapore, which are at the forefront of Digital Innovation and infrastructure, by achieving an advanced level of preparedness for digital transformation through these and other projects.