The Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC) is hosting a three-day competition in indigenous innovation and creativity amongst Nigerian youths and ICT start-ups to drive business growth and bridge the digital divide.
In a keynote address by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta said the 2022 ICT Innovation Competition provides a platform for tech enthusiasts and other stakeholders with novel ideas and tech solutions to industry and societal challenges to showcase their creative innovations and forge collaborative partnerships that can stimulate productivity, sustainability, and continuous growth in the ICT sector.
This competition which started today in Lagos at the Digital Bridge Institute, has the theme “Utilizing Indigenous Digital Solutions to Bridge the Digital Divide.” It will last for three days.
Dabatta said the competition is in line with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, specifically pillars 5, 7, and 8, which focus on digital service development and promotion, digital society and emerging technologies, and indigenous content development and adoption.
The competition focuses on three key areas: digital service development and promotion, indigenous content development and adoption, and funding digital skills building and innovation in Nigeria.
According to the EVC, these areas were chosen because they are critical for developing indigenous businesses into world-class service providers and creating conditions for iterative problem-solving by indigenous digital technology and innovation service providers.
“In terms of digital service development and promotion, it is important that we support the growth and development of digital businesses in Nigeria..and not just tech startup but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and even large corporations that are looking to adopt digital technologies and improve their operations.
” Indigenous content development and adoption is another important focus area for this year’s competition.
“One of the critical challenges that we face in the ICT sector is the lack of locally produced content.
“This can be a barrier to adopting digital technologies, as users often have to rely on foreign-produced content, which may not always be relevant or appropriate for the local context.
“By promoting the development and adoption of indigenous content, we can help to ensure that digital technologies are better able to meet the needs of local users and communities.”
The EVC said funding digital skills building and innovation in Nigeria is critical for ensuring that we have the necessary human capital to drive the growth and development of the ICT sector, which includes not just technical skills, business and entrepreneurship skills, as well as a range of other skills necessary for success in the digital economy.
According to him, providing funding for skills building and innovation can help ensure that the ICT sector has the talent it needs to thrive and grow.
The EVC said the ICT sector has the potential to play a significant role in bridging the digital divide and driving economic development in Nigeria by providing access to digital technologies and services, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating Jobs. However, to fully realize this potential, we need to ensure that the ICT sector can grow and develop sustainably and that it can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Ismail Adedigba, Director of, Research and Development Department at NCC, noted that the competition provides a platform for tech enthusiasts and other stakeholders with novel ideas and tech solutions to industry and societal challenges to showcase their creative innovations and forge collaborative partnerships that can stimulate productivity, sustainability, and continuous growth in the ICT sector.
He explained that the competition is in line with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, specifically pillars 5, 7, and 8, which focus on digital service development and promotion, digital society and emerging technologies, and indigenous content development and adoption, respectively.
It will allow the participants to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions for bridging the digital divide. The exhibition booths, which will be visited and evaluated by the judges, provide an excellent platform for the participants to display their work.
“It is important to note that this competition is not the end, but rather the beginning of our collective journey towards bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. We must continue to support and invest in local, indigenous digital solutions to ensure that all citizens have access to the technology and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s digital age,” he
In his welcome address, the Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission, Engr. Ubale Maska argued that the Nigerian economy is facing several challenges, including diversifying and growing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He said the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025 recognizes this need and emphasizes investing in critical physical, financial, science and innovation infrastructure to create a more resilient business environment and drive economic growth.
“In line with this, the Federal Government has also released the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020- 2030, which aims to leverage the potential of digital technologies to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals.
“This is where the annual ICT Innovation Competition/Exhibition comes in. This event is designed to foster increased national innovativeness and sustainable digital startup development, and to provide a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to showcase their ideas and solutions to a wider audience,” he said.
Photo: NCC Officials and guest speakers at the event.
