NCC launches nationwide drive for inclusive digital growth

Joy Agwunobi

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to ignite a new wave of digital transformation across the country with the launch of its Digital Awareness and Sensitisation Fora, an initiative built around the vision of leaving no one behind in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital revolution.

The maiden edition of the programme, themed “Leaving No One Behind: Digital Assets, Equity, and Empowerment,” will take place on November 13, 2025, and is designed to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide by fostering inclusion, strengthening innovation, and aligning national digital policies with infrastructure development.

According to the Commission, the fora will serve as a multi-stakeholder platform for policymakers, innovators, community leaders, and private sector players to engage on how to create a truly inclusive digital economy one where access, opportunity, and innovation are shared by all Nigerians, regardless of background or location.

Discussions at the event will focus on inclusive policy frameworks, broadband and infrastructure expansion, adaptive digital literacy programmes, and strategies to make digital services more affordable and accessible across communities.

With over 140 million internet users and one of Africa’s youngest populations where nearly 60 percent of citizens are under the age of 25, Nigeria holds immense potential to lead Africa’s digital revolution. The NCC noted that the forum aims to harness this demographic strength, particularly by empowering youth and underserved communities to play active roles in the country’s digital transformation.

Beyond connectivity, the sensitisation exercise seeks to create awareness around the economic and social benefits of equitable digital participation, while also ensuring that online safety and inclusivity remain central to Nigeria’s digital development agenda. The Commission said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to driving innovation, fostering digital equity, and bridging the gap between policy frameworks and on-ground infrastructure.

The Digital Awareness and Sensitisation Fora is being organised in collaboration with several key partners, including the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ATCON), FintechNGR, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Terra Industries, Association of Nigerian Inventors (ANI), Secondary Education Board (SEB), Nigerian University Commission (NUC), Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Imose Technologies, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The event will feature panel discussions, exhibitions, and interactive sessions showcasing creative innovations from technology startups, fintech firms, and students. It will also serve as a platform for sharing ideas and highlighting breakthrough solutions within Nigeria’s evolving digital ecosystem.

Through this initiative, the NCC reaffirms its role not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of innovation and inclusion committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or status, is equipped and empowered to thrive in the nation’s digital economy.