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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has disclosed plans to host a one-day Strategic Stakeholders’ Meeting to discuss the critical role of connectivity in driving innovation and the digital economy.
The event, slated o be held at the Envoy Hotel, June 5, 2024, in Abuja will bring together commissioners from all 36 Nigerian states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), along with permanent secretaries and heads of ICT agencies.
Themed “Harnessing States’ Potential through the Applications of Technical Efficiencies,” the meeting underscores the critical role of connectivity in driving innovation and the digital economy. ATCON emphasizes the need for state governments to collaborate with telecom operators to remove obstacles hindering the development of pervasive and ubiquitous broadband infrastructure.
The strategic objectives of the meeting include:
Discussing the progress of the Nigerian National Broadband Plans (2020-2025 and 2023-2027) outlined by Dr. Bosun Tijani, focusing on achieving their goals and targets.
Encouraging telecom operators to establish a presence in all Nigerian states and promoting investment in states prepared for development driven by communication technologies, innovation, and the digital economy.
Securing state buy-in for programs and initiatives aimed at expanding telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
Establishing a standardized approach to resolving issues like right of way, multiple taxation, and other related challenges.
Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ATCON to prevent the destruction and shutdown of base stations in Nigeria.
Collaborating with state governments to accelerate development and progress across the nation, thereby deepening broadband penetration and addressing issues of poverty and unemployment.
High-profile attendees expected at the event include Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Barr. Nyesom Wike, Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Selected telecom CEOs, commissioners, and heads of agencies will participate as panelists.
“We are confident that this strategic meeting will foster a productive dialogue between state governments and the telecommunications industry,” said Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON. “By working together, we can unlock the immense potential of technology to drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation across Nigeria.”
