ATCON unites industry players to narrow Nigeria’s digital divide

Joy Agwunobi

Nigeria’s path to digital transformation has been far from easy as the country’s telecommunications sector faces many challenges, including the dangerous activities of non-state actors and the obstacles that slow down infrastructure development. Telecom operators, tasked with expanding connectivity across the nation, find themselves dealing  with issues that extend beyond mere technology. The risks posed by kidnapping, banditry, vandalism, and terrorism, particularly in the northern and southeastern regions, threaten not just the safety of personnel but the very foundation of Nigeria’s digital future.

Compounding these security concerns are the exorbitant fees and regulatory obstacles associated with obtaining Right of Way permits. These issues  have become major barriers to the development of telecom infrastructure, hampering the progress needed to bridge the digital divide in a country where connectivity is crucial for economic growth and social inclusion.

It is  against this backdrop that the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) convened its first Strategic Stakeholders’ Meeting with ICT officials from the 36 states of the federation, titled  “Harnessing States’ Potentials through the Applications of Technical Efficiencies,” was not just a guiding principle but a call to action.

The meeting aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of the National Broadband Plan and to foster collaboration between telecom operators and state governments. The goal was to ensure that each state in Nigeria could use its unique strengths to contribute to the nation’s digital transformation. Additionally, the meeting focused on exploring ways to leverage broadband and ICT technologies to drive economic growth across various sectors at the state level and to address critical issues affecting the telecom sector.

In his opening address, Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere ATCON President, set the tone for the meeting. He highlighted the need for a united front in tackling the challenges facing the telecom sector, emphasising that the success of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on the cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The discussions that followed highlighted the deep-seated issues that have long plagued the industry. Telecom operators expressed their frustrations with the current state of affairs, particularly the threats posed by criminal activities that not only endanger lives but also disrupt the rollout of critical infrastructure, the  high costs and red tape associated with obtaining permits were also brought to the fore, with operators calling for a more streamlined process that would facilitate, rather than hinder, infrastructure development.

State government representatives, on  their part, voiced their expectations from telecom operators. There was a strong call for more engagement and interaction between operators and local authorities. Rose Ibrahim, representing Kogi State’s commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, stressed the importance of these interactions in fostering a better understanding of telecom investments and ensuring they align with the developmental goals of the states.

Despite the challenges, the meeting was marked by a shared commitment to finding solutions. One of the key outcomes was the agreement to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between telecom operators and state governments. This MoU would establish standards for engagement, creating an investor-friendly environment that would encourage the growth of the digital economy through a connected Nigeria.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of regular consultations between stakeholders. It was resolved that such meetings should be held at least annually to ensure that the dialogue continues and that the issues affecting the sector are addressed in a timely manner.

The meeting’s focus on technical efficiencies was particularly significant. By optimising the use of resources and applying modern technologies, both operators and state governments can maximise the benefits of their investments. This approach not only promises to enhance connectivity and broadband penetration but also holds the potential to drive economic growth in all sectors of the sub-national economies.

As the meeting drew to a close, there was a clear sense of optimism among the participants. The progress made in connectivity and broadband penetration was acknowledged, and the prospects for even greater achievements through collaboration were clear. The telecom-driven eGovernment initiatives in states like Adamawa, Anambra, and Cross River were cited as sterling examples of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together.

However, the consensus was that much work needs to be done. For Nigeria to fully harness the benefits of connectivity such as bridging the digital divide, fostering an inclusive society, improving governance, and enhancing security there is a need to address existing gaps in telecommunications infrastructure. Stakeholders urged  State governments to prioritise telecom infrastructure, harmonise Right of Way charges, and adopt the “Dig Once Policy” to streamline the deployment of telecom assets across the country.

The meeting ended with a resounding commitment to continue the collaboration between telecom operators and state governments. The stakeholders noted  that the road to a fully connected Nigeria is long and filled  with challenges, but with ongoing cooperation and the application of technical efficiencies, the nation is well on its way to realising its digital potential.