Nigerian Government Unveils Ambitious Plans to Enhance Digital Connectivity Nationwide

Nigerian Government Unveils Ambitious Plans to Enhance Digital Connectivity Nationwide

 

 

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced today groundbreaking initiatives aimed at bolstering digital connectivity across Nigeria, following approvals secured during the Federal Executive Council meeting.

Addressing the media, Dr. Tijani highlighted the pivotal approvals, emphasizing their potential to significantly benefit both the Nigerian populace and the burgeoning digital startup ecosystem.

BOSUN TIJANI, MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL ECONOMY

The first approval entails the launch of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) dedicated to advancing the delivery of an additional 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable. This initiative seeks to complement existing connectivity infrastructure, fortifying the national backbone to ensure universal internet access throughout Nigeria.b

Dr. Tijani outlined the meticulous groundwork undertaken to establish the SPV, drawing inspiration from successful Public-Private Partnership models such as NIBSS and NLNG. In collaboration with government and private sector stakeholders, the SPV aims to expand Nigeria’s connectivity backbone to a minimum of 125,000 kilometers, positioning it as Africa’s third-longest terrestrial fiber optic backbone, trailing only Egypt and South Africa.

This expanded coverage is poised to leverage Nigeria’s eight submarine cables, driving increased data capacity utilization beyond the current 10%. Through partnerships like the Broadband Alliance, the enhanced connectivity will bridge existing gaps by linking over 200,000 educational, healthcare, and social institutions nationwide, fostering greater societal inclusion in the benefits of internet access.

The immediate benefits of these initiatives include:

1. Elevating internet penetration in Nigeria to over 70%
2. Potentially reducing the cost of internet access by over 60%
3. Enabling internet access for at least 50% of the 33 million Nigerians currently excluded
4. Stimulating up to 1.5% GDP growth per capita, propelling GDP from $472.6 billion (2022) to $502 billion over the next four years.

Dr. Tijani concluded his remarks by expressing optimism about the transformative impact of these initiatives, signifying a significant step towards #NigerianExcellence in digital connectivity.

 

Africa Data Centres debuts ADC Channel programme

Africa Data Centres debuts ADC Channel programme

The primary goal of ADC Channel is to foster collaboration among partners within the ISP, Carrier, Telecommunications, Systems Integration, ICT and Data Centre providers; Channel Partners will have additional product offerings to add to their current portfolio and in turn generate new revenue streams; The programme offers partners easy access to data centre experts and will provide ongoing commercial and technical support.

Africa Data Centres, a division of the Cassava Technologies group, is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive channel partner programme, ADC Channel. This programme is designed to establish colocation and ecosystem partnerships, empowering members to expand their product portfolio & offerings alongside their market presence including an expanded data centre footprint.

ADC Channel presents a unique opportunity for global carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), system integrators, Data Centres, Mobile Network, Content Developer, telecommunications companies, network infrastructure operators, hyperscalers and others to deliver state-of-the-art, sustainable and cost-effective digital solutions to their clients.

The primary objective of ADC Channel is to foster collaboration amongst partners, facilitating the delivery of optimised solutions and comprehensive support to clients. Partners enrolled in ADC Channel will benefit from a flexible approach that accommodates various partnership and go-to-market (GTM) models.

Finhai Munzara, CFO of Africa Data Centres, emphasises that the benefits of the ADC Channel programme extend to all types of partners. “Our facilities are designed with the needs of hyper-scale, wholesale & enterprise clients in mind, catering to their technical, operational and commercial requirements. Whether it’s greenfield projects, built-to-suit facilities, powered shells, dedicated halls, or hybrid colocation, we offer flexible, scalable and sustainable solutions that suit partners of every kind.”

He elaborates on the advantages of becoming an Africa Data Centres Partner.

Firstly, clients gain an additional product offering & footprint to augment their existing portfolio, enabling them to offer bundled solutions. This not only enhances their current revenue streams but also positions them for further growth & retention with both existing and future customers.

Africa Data Centres has also developed ADC Marketplace, a pioneering platform designed to empower partners and customers across the continent. This innovative marketplace provides a dynamic space for partners to showcase their services and for customers to explore offerings, fostering collaboration and visibility within the African tech community. Offering unmatched connectivity and growth opportunities, the ADC Marketplace stands as the ultimate platform for African enterprise organisations and tech companies seeking to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Partners stand to benefit from reduced churn, as colocation is inherently a ‘sticky’ product with minimal price erosion. By offering best-of-breed colocation services from Africa’s leading data centre provider, partners can differentiate themselves from competitors.

Partners will also enjoy seamless access to data centre experts, continuous commercial and technical support, and regular, complimentary training for their sales and product teams.

Furthermore, partners face no financial risk, as participation in the channel programme requires no investment and entails no capital expenditures for building data centres.

Partners can also leverage flexibility in setting their selling prices and receive significant upfront discounts, further bolstering their competitive advantage. Exclusive benefits include competitive pricing, dedicated sales & Presales Teams, Remote Hands support and access to joint marketing resources & activities, enabling partners to thrive in the marketplace.

Munzara emphasises that ADC Channel programme  epitomises Africa Data Centres’ commitment to fostering collaborative growth and innovation. “It serves as a platform for clients to enrich their product portfolios and seamlessly extend their business across diverse ecosystems with openness and transparency.” Africa Data Centres warmly invites partners to embark on this transformative journey towards shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa.

“The programme prioritises mutual growth, leveraging Africa Data Centres’ profound industry expertise and extensive infrastructure,” Munzara concludes.

Dr. Aminu Maida, CEO of NCC, Hosts Courtesy Visit from Galaxy Backbone Delegation

Dr. Aminu Maida, CEO of NCC, Hosts Courtesy Visit from Galaxy Backbone Delegation

In a bid to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), welcomed a delegation from Galaxy Backbone. Led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, the delegation visited the NCC headquarters for a courtesy visit.

The meeting, which took place at the NCC’s headquarters in Abuja, provided an opportunity for both parties to explore avenues for cooperation and exchange ideas on advancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. Dr. Maida, renowned for his visionary leadership in the telecommunications industry, expressed his delight at hosting the esteemed delegation from Galaxy Backbone.

During the discussions, Dr. Maida and Prof. Adeyanju highlighted the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and key players in the telecommunications ecosystem to drive innovation and expand access to digital services across the country. They emphasized the need for synergies in infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and capacity building initiatives to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.May be an image of 12 people

The courtesy visit underscores the commitment of both the NCC and Galaxy Backbone to advancing Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape and harnessing the transformative power of technology to drive socio-economic development. As Nigeria continues its journey towards a digital economy, partnerships between regulatory agencies and infrastructure providers are essential to bridging the digital divide and empowering citizens with access to affordable, high-quality connectivity.

Following the productive discussions, Dr. Maida and Prof. Adeyanju expressed their optimism about the potential for future collaborations and pledged to work closely together to address the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. Their shared commitment to fostering innovation and driving inclusive growth reaffirms the importance of public-private partnerships in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

The courtesy visit underscores the commitment of both the NCC and Galaxy Backbone to advancing Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape and harnessing the transformative power of technology to drive socio-economic development. As Nigeria continues its journey towards a digital economy, partnerships between regulatory agencies and infrastructure providers are essential to bridging the digital divide and empowering citizens with access to affordable, high-quality connectivity.

Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Nnamani Supports Expansion of Subsea Cables and Investment in Telcoms Infrastructure

Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Nnamani Supports Expansion of Subsea Cables and Investment in Telcoms Infrastructure

In response to the recent internet shutdown caused by the cut of a subsea cable, industry leaders convened at the Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy summit, hosted at the Providence Hotel Ikeja, to address critical gaps in the nation’s digital infrastructure.

During the summit, Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to bolster its subsea cable network to support the growing demands of its digital economy. Nnamani underscored the importance of attracting major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to establish their infrastructure within the country, emphasizing that such investments are vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“The expansion of subsea cables and the establishment of local infrastructure are paramount for Nigeria to fully harness its digital potential,” stated Nnamani. “Telcos must adapt their business models to meet the demands of the digital age, and regulatory frameworks should facilitate this transition.”

With Nigeria boasting one of the largest populations of telephony users on the continent, the country has emerged as a lucrative investment destination for digital infrastructure. Investors are closely monitoring developments in Nigeria’s digital landscape, recognizing the nation’s potential to lead the data center market in the coming years.

The event also addressed the crucial role of data center solutions in Nigeria’s digital advancement. Nnamani highlighted the country’s untapped potential in this sector, projecting Nigeria to surpass South Africa and become the leading data center market in Africa within the next decade.

As Nigeria seeks to solidify its position in the global digital economy, stakeholders emphasize the necessity of proactive measures to enhance digital infrastructure and foster innovation.

Digital Realty supports the data center, colocation, and interconnection strategies of customers across the globe. Its secure, global ecosystem creates a broader range of possibilities and pathways for customers, accelerating their digital transformation efforts

Anthony Emeka Nwosu.

Danbatta Lifts Platinum Award for NCC’s Performance

Danbatta Lifts Platinum Award for NCC’s Performance

 

 

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC,  at the weekend in Lagos, lifted the Platinum Award of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering (NAEng.) being a reward for his leadership of the nation’s telecom regulator for its contributions to the development and growth of engineering profession in the technological and economic development of the country.

 

President of the Academy, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said during the award presented by doyen of engineering and Former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Vincent Maduka,  that the Commission deserved the award as it has done the profession proud in its telecom regulatory process and promotion of engineering as shown in its strong support for the NAEng.

 

While handing over the award at the 2023 Annual Technology Dinner of the Academy, Maduka said, “Prof. Danbatta has contributed immensely to the sustainability of all initiatives of the professional body, just as his role to the development of engineering profession in general is being felt in Nigeria, through his effective regulation of the telecommunications sector.”

 

Danbatta, a professor of electrical and electronics engineering, who is a member of Council, and a fellow of NAEng, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation to the illustrious institute for considering the Commission worthy of the award.

 

Danbatta dedicated the award to the ‘hardworking and diligent staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission’, who, he said, have continued to demonstrate commitment to supporting his vision to promote regulatory excellence toward sustaining growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

 

“I could not have done the good work you credited me with, without the support and cooperation of NCC staff and we are delighted that the public is watching, listening and observing what we are doing and a testimony to this fact is the platinum category award we have just been given by the apex engineering body in the country,” the EVC stated.

 

Danbatta further said: “I want to assure the public that the NCC will do whatever it can, within its mandates, to bring out impactful initiatives that will drive the digital transformation process that will ultimately make telecom services pervasive and affordable to all parts of the country.”

 

He used the opportunity to speak about some of the initiatives of the Commission that have struck a rhythm in the socio-economic development of the nation.

 

These, he said, include the one targeted at the Nigerian youths across the country where the Commission trains the youth, provides them with laptops,  and other equipment that can make them access the internet with a view to equipping them to develop their skill and earn a living.

 

Danbatta assured of the Commission’s commitment to driving digital connectivity aimed at bridging extant clusters of access gaps in Nigeria. “We have a target of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP). We are around 50 per cent currently and I can assure you that we are hopeful that we will achieve and surpass that target,” he said.

 

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering was established to pursue excellence in science, technology and engineering as well as provide a national platform for experts to harness their experiences and insights and make input into public and private technical policy.

 

Pantami Commissions 4,366 Projects Implemented Under His Supervision

Pantami Commissions 4,366 Projects Implemented Under His Supervision

 

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) unveiled and commissioned 4,366 projects, programmes and initiatives implemented under his supervision as Minister. This took place at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja and virtually at the remote locations of the commissioned projects.

The commissioning ceremony was graced by several dignitaries. These included the immediate-past Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Finacial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mr. Modibbo R. Hamman Tukur and the Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST), Barrister Maimuna Yaya Abubakar, among others. The Chief Executive Officers of the parastatals under the Ministry were also in attendance.

The dignitaries poured encomiums on Professor Pantami for his visionary and inspirational leadership. They extolled his passion for the digital economy sector and for the development of Nigeria. They congratulated him for how he has shown that the Nigerian youth can excel at the top levels of leadership in the country, having himself performed extremely well as Minister.

The commissioned projects were spread across all the States of the Federation and were executed by the Ministry and all the parastatals under the Ministry. Some of the projects commissioned included the Community IT Training Centre, Ogbomosho, Oyo State; the Digital Nigeria Centre, Udi Abia Secondary School, Enugu State; IT Hub, Gashua, Yobe State; Mini-ICT Square Project, Minna, Niger State; Digital Awareness Programme Cardoso High School, Apapa, Lagos State; Digital Nigeria Centre, Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina Unity College, Bauchi State, among several others.

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) also unveiled ten 3-ton trucks to enhance their postal services. The trucks were purchased from internally generated revenue and were commissioned by the Honourable Minister at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora,

A 443-page Compendium of Achievements was also unveiled to provide a concise summary of the unprecedented achievements that were recorded under the leadership of Prof. Pantami since he became a Minister on the 21st of August 2019.
The participants applauded the Honourable Minister for starting strong and also ending strong. They also noted that the digital economy sector had become integral to all aspects of the Nigerian economy because of the landmark achievements and efforts of Prof. Pantami.

Uwa Suleiman

COURE Celebrates 25 years of Providing Innovative Digital Solutions

COURE Celebrates 25 years of Providing Innovative Digital Solutions

 

COURE Software & Systems Limited (“COURE”), an indigenous information technology (IT) firm located in Lagos, will be marking 25 years of existence, 15 of which have been spent deploying IT solutions and services in Nigeria and other African countries. From telecoms to financial to the public sector, the company has made tremendous strides in various sectors of the economy.

Speaking to the media, COURE’s CEO, Uche Onwudiwe described the company as, “a platform services provider with a focus on the provision of accurate, secure and relevant data to improve its clients’ business processes and operations.” He reflected on the journey so far, noting that the company “started out in the US in 1998 at a time when the internet and modern technology, as we know it, were taking off. At that time, we were focused on networking and physical systems integration.”

COURE’s CEO, Uche Onwudiwe
COURE’s CEO, Uche Onwudiwe

“Over the years, the shifts in technology and the need to be scalable beyond billing for individual man hours caused us to migrate our technology services first to web and application development, then to what we currently provide today, which are platforms that leverage standardized and aggregated data to enable and enhance the operational efficiency of our clients. It has been an exciting 25-year journey of change and transformation! Our flagship solutions, ANQ and HUB, have been enabling the telecom, fintech, banking and various other sectors to increase their value to their customers. Our development teams consist of analysts, UI/UX experts, programmers, product managers and network engineers all of whom have many years of experience in the design, development and support of clean, functional and aesthetically appealing applications and solutions.”

On their strides in many critical sectors, COURE Chief Executive Officer added that “COURE has established key partnerships in the telco, banking, fintech, payments and public sector spaces. Through our platforms, we are able to aggregate various types of data, analyze the data, and create services that provide value to these organizations and generate revenue for them. This makes us an enabler of fintech firms as opposed to being one ourselves.”CC

“Our ANQ (All Number Query) is a lookup platform that provides quick and easy access to information which enables our clients support their customers in areas such as Fraud prevention, Routing and KYC (Know Your Customer) using various number and data sources. Our partnership with data owners and access to large volumes of diversified data along with our processing capacity and intelligent algorithms enables us apply real-time analytics to data that is being searched against and provide information to businesses to aid their decision-making.”

“Our HUB platform is what is called a CPaaS – Communication Platform as a Service. It enables Aggregators and Value-Added Service (VAS) providers in the telecom industry to integrate with the Telcos, then safely and accurately deliver messages between the applications through the Telcos and onward to the end customer and back. Message types include Bulk SMS, USSD, Whatsapp and RCS (Rich Communication Services). It also addresses a number of industry issues and concerns such as the management of Sender IDs and Short codes. HUB is a ready-to-use platform for SMEs to create and manage their services, content, and subscriptions. It is convenient and requires no local installation.”

Throughout the years, the IT organization has faced various challenges. Onwudiwe commented on some of these challenges, citing as an example, the loss of talented IT resources across the sector. He stated that due to the insecurity and economic hardships in the country, the technology sector has experienced a loss of talent, many of whom have fled the country in search of supposedly greener pastures. This has made it crucial for COURE to implement a proactive recruitment and talent retention strategy to prevent the negative effects of this trend from affecting its business.

The organization has grown in leaps and bounds, having extended its partnership reach to many African countries. Onwudiwe noted that, “Our routing services are present in most African countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Côte D’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. Our 2023 roll-out plan includes expansion to key regions within the continent with a focus on Ghana, Uganda and South Africa. ”

In addition to its expansion plans, COURE will be adding a 3rd platform to its suite, the OpenBanking platform, in alignment with the CBN’s Open Banking Initiative. The OpenBanking platform offers financial data owners the opportunity to monetize their data by making it available to third-party financial services securely and efficiently via APIs. He noted that they have already partnered with some banks to pilot the solution and are excited about the ease and convenience that customers will enjoy when they use applications that leverage these services. He expressed optimism about the future, noting that they expect great times ahead!

 

 

 

 

 

“Our HUB platform is what is called a CPaaS – Communication Platform as a Service. It enables Aggregators and Value-Added Service (VAS) providers in the telecom industry to integrate with the Telcos, then safely and accurately deliver messages between the applications through the Telcos and onward to the end customer and back. Message types include Bulk SMS, USSD, Whatsapp and RCS (Rich Communication Services). It also addresses a number of industry issues and concerns such as the management of Sender IDs and Short codes. HUB is a ready-to-use platform for SMEs to create and manage their services, content, and subscriptions. It is convenient and requires no local installation.”

NCC approves harmonized short codes, directs implementation

NCC approves harmonized short codes, directs implementation

 

In line with its consumer-centric approach to telecoms regulation, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed mobile network operators (MNOs) to commence implementation of approved harmonised short codes (HSC) for providing certain services to telecom consumers in Nigeria.

The Commission has already set a deadline of May 17, 2023, for all mobile networks to fully migrate from hitherto diverse short codes to the harmonised codes.

The use of harmonised short codes is aimed at achieving uniformity in common short codes across networks. This means that the code for checking airtime balance is the same across all mobile networks for the same function, irrespective of the network a consumer uses.

With the new codes, the telecom consumers using the over 226 million active mobile lines in the country, can now use the same codes to access services across the networks.

Consequently, under the new harmonised short codes regime, 13 common short codes have been approved by the Commission. They include the following codes: 300 to be used as the harmonised code for Call Centre/Help Desk on all mobile networks; 301 for voice Mail Deposit; 302 for Voice Mail Retrieval; 303 for Borrow Services; 305 for STOP Service; 310 for Check Balance, and 311 for Credit Recharge.

Also, the common code for Data Plan across networks is now 312. In line with the new direction, 321 is for Share Services, while 323 is for Data Plan Balance. The code, 996, is now for Verification of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration/NIN-SIM Linkage. The code, 2442, is retained for Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unsolicited messaging complaint management, while the common code, 3232, is also retained for Porting Services, otherwise called Mobile Number Portability.

The old and new harmonised short codes will run concurrently up until the May 17, 2023, when all networks are expected to have fully migrated to full implementation of the new codes.  The period between now and May 17, 2023 is provided by the NCC to enable telecom consumers to familiarise themselves with the new codes for various services.

The initiative, which is in line with NCC’s regulatory modernisation programme, is essentially to make life much easier for telecom consumers, as it is now easier for Nigerians to memorise single codes for various services across all mobile networks they may be using, thereby improving consumer quality of experience (QoE).

In addition, the new policy will provide opportunity for licensees in the Value-Added Services (VAS) segment of the telecoms sector to be able to use freed-up/old codes for other services, as well as enhance cohesive regulatory framework in keeping with world-class practices.

Africa Data Centres breaks ground on new Sameer facility in Nairobi

Africa Data Centres breaks ground on new Sameer facility in Nairobi

Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com) has broken ground on its new facility in Nairobi; The new build will expand its existing data centre by up to 15MW of IT load; The facility will be built in the company’s leading-edge modular design.

 

Africa Data Centres, a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, is pleased to announce it has officially broken ground on an additional data centre facility in Nairobi. The new build will see the existing facility on the adjacent piece of land expanded up to an extra 15MW of IT load.

 

ADC’s expansion at the new site will be completed in the first half of 2024 and will bring five times more capacity than is currently installed.

 

“We believe that data centres will play a significant role in digital transformation and economic growth on our continent. Without them, the push towards a digital economy in Africa will be missing a key pillar. Our decision to increase our investment in our data centres in Kenya is in recognition of the position the country now occupies as a leader in the adoption of digital technologies in Africa” says Hardy Pemhiwa, Group President & CEO of Cassava Technologies.

 

During the ground-breaking ceremony today, Tesh Durvasula, CEO of Africa Data Centres, said, “The expansion will enable Africa Data Centre clients to grow and scale depending on their requirements. They can start small, increase to a medium capacity, and even benefit from a hyperscale type of deployment in a few years if they choose to. This will enable customers to operate multiple deployments across our sites with a single operations team, campus, and infrastructure they are familiar with”.

 

We believe that data centres will play a significant role in digital transformation and economic growth on our continent

Kenya is the country that pioneered mobile money, and today boasts of a wide range of incubators and tech startups, a clear sign of an innovative tech culture. The focus on Kenya as a key region aims to take the region further into the digital era and uplift the country’s profile globally as an attractive investment destination for international cloud providers, hyperscalers, and other ICT companies.

 

The new data facility will begin with 5MW of IT load and will be built in Africa Data Centres’ leading-edge modular design – an innovative approach that sees the entire facility, including all critical plant rooms, prefabricated off-site. This ensures the highest possible quality, whilst local contractors will still benefit from contracts to lay foundations, assemble, and complete the build.

 

He stresses that sustainability is at the heart of everything Africa Data Centres does. In terms of cooling, even as the largest network of interconnected, carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre facilities on the continent, ADC has a strict policy of not using adiabatic systems. “We do not use water in any of our cooling systems and are one of the few colocation providers who have taken this step,” said Durvasula.

 

While the common belief might be that water and adiabatic systems are more efficient than air cooling systems, this simply is not the case. “With the newest technology, if free-cooling capacity is maximised, it becomes far more efficient and saves water which is becoming a critical commodity, particularly in Africa.”

 

He added that Africa Data Centre is fortunate in Kenya as almost 70% of grid power is from green energy sources. “This helps us to meet our sustainability objectives because we understand no organisation can achieve zero carbon emissions by itself. We understand that sustainability is about ensuring that we conduct ourselves in a manner that minimises our impact on the environment. We extend this ethos to all of our partners, and constantly look for ways to ensure that all elements of the business contribute positively to the sustainability of the planet”.

 

Today’s event is a step forward in the company’s expansion plans announced in 2021, which will see Africa Data Centres investing $500m into building hyperscale data centres across Africa with the support of the US Development Finance Corporation.

Danbatta Bags Award for Exemplary Leadership in Public Service

Danbatta Bags Award for Exemplary Leadership in Public Service

 

 

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta was at the weekend in Lagos, decorated with an Award of Exemplary Leadership in Public Service.

 

The award was conferred on Danbatta at the 12th Anniversary Lecture and Award of Nigerian NewsDirect, one of the long-standing media players in the Nigerian Communications industry, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday.

 

Danbatta, who was represented at the event by the Director,  Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said it was gratifying to have been considered worthy for the award in recognition of the initiatives deployed by the  Commission in carrying out its statutory mandate.

 

The EVC stated that the theme “Good Governance: Private and Public Sectors’ Roles in Raising Revenue, Growth and Positive Turnaround of Nigerian Economy” provides the veritable opportunity for all stakeholders to seek better ways of advancing the course of good governance both in public office and in the private sector of the Nigerian economy.

 

In giving concrete expression to the strategic vision of the Commission with respect to the theme of the programme, Danbatta said the Commission is ever determined to ensure collaboration with all stakeholders in the Nigerian communications industry and even beyond as it remains one of the surest ways of enabling a positive turnaround of the Nigerian economy.

 

Danbatta thanked the organisers of the programme for the award and acknowledged that it was a call for more work to be done to push the frontiers of good governance that ensures national development and economic growth.

 

While presenting the award, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian NewDirect, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi said Danbatta was eminently qualified and deserving of the prestigious recognition on the strength of the huge role he has played in the attainment and surpassing of Nigeria’s national broadband target of 30 percent in 2018 and that he is currently among those leading the charge for the realisation of the new national broadband penetration target of 70 percent by 2025.

 

Dr Ibiyemi added that with the incontrovertible facts on the ground, it was easy for the board and management of his organisation to agree that through an effective regulatory regime and various cutting-edge initiatives, Danbatta has stabilised the telecom industry and strengthened the telecommunications sector as a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and boosted telecoms investment inflows from $36 billion to over $70 billion between 2015 toll date.

 

Other eminent Nigerians who were conferred with various categories of awards at the event include the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami; Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State; Bello Hassan, Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; and  Mimi Adzape, Executive Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service among others.