Promoting ICT in Nigeria; Discover 8 Key Government Initiatives and Players

Introduction

In recent years, Nigeria has enjoyed the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in driving economic growth, enhancing governance, and fostering societal development. As a result, the Nigerian government has embarked on various initiatives and policies aimed at promoting ICT and transforming the country into a digital economic powerhouse.  An Overview of the ICT Revolution in Nigeria would give you the background you need to fully understand why promoting ICT is necessary.

The Nigerian ICT development initiatives include the National Broadband Plan, which aims to increase broadband penetration in the country, and the National eGovernment Master Plan, which aims to increase the use of ICT in government operations and services, infrastructure development, digital skills training, local content promotion, cybersecurity measures, and strategic partnerships among others to position Nigeria as a leading ICT hub in Africa.

In this article, I will explore 8 key government initiatives that have been implemented and subsequently, key players who aid in promoting  ICT in Nigeria. They are :

• National ICT Policy
• Nigerian National Broadband Plan
• ICT Infrastructure Development
• National Identity Management System
• ICT Incubation Centers
• Digital Skills Development
• Local Content Development
• Cybersecurity Initiatives

National ICT Policy

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) developed a National ICT Policy to provide a framework for the development of the ICT sector in Nigeria. The Policy emphasizes the adoption of e-governance practices to enhance service delivery, transparency, and efficiency in government operations. As a result, several government agencies and ministries have implemented ICT solutions to digitize processes, automate services, and provide online platforms for citizens to access government information and services conveniently.

This policy has also created an enabling environment for ICT development, fostering innovation, digital skills acquisition, infrastructure growth, local content production, cybersecurity, and inclusive access to ICT services. By implementing these policies, Nigeria has taken significant steps toward building a thriving and sustainable digital economy.

A Notable person who has used this policy in promoting ICT in Nigeria is Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami the first Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Under his leadership, National Digital Economy Strategy Policy and National Broadband Plan were developed and many unprecedented successes were recorded. In less than a year broadband penetration increased by about 10% in a year, instead of the average annual increase of about 1.7%, and ICT contributed an unprecedented 17.83% to the GDP based on the Q2 2020 GDP Report by the National Bureau of Statistics. At 14.70%, ICT was also the fastest-growing sector of the Nigerian economy in the 4th Quarter of 2020.

He initiated the first Virtual Federal Executive Council meeting on the 13th of May 2020 and has been coordinating the technical aspects of the meetings since then. He also led to the establishment of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and tackled the lingering issue of excessive Right of Way charges and vandalism of telecommunication infrastructure.

Nigerian National Broadband Plan

The Nigerian government launched the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) to enhance broadband infrastructure and improve internet access across the country. The plan aims to achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025 and promotes the deployment of broadband infrastructure to a significant portion of the population. This target has provided a clear roadmap for investment and deployment of broadband infrastructure. The backbone infrastructure serves as a foundation for extending broadband connectivity to different regions and enables the delivery of high-speed internet services.

The National Broadband Plan also leads to efficient spectrum management to support broadband deployment. This will promote the allocation and utilization of appropriate radio frequencies for broadband services. By optimizing spectrum allocation, we can ensure the availability of sufficient frequencies for broadband networks and enhance the quality of internet connectivity.

Furthermore, the plan addresses the issue of broadband affordability by promoting policies and initiatives to reduce the cost of internet access. This includes measures such as the reduction of taxes and levies on ICT infrastructure. Through these initiatives, Nigeria is harnessing the power of broadband to drive socio-economic progress and create a digital future for its citizens.

Worthy of note for the development of this plan is Umar Danbatta served who served as the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) from 2015 to 2020. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in promoting ICT development and regulatory reforms in Nigeria. He oversaw initiatives like the licensing of infrastructure companies, the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, and the development of guidelines for the deployment of 5G technology in the country.

ICT Infrastructure Development

The government has initiated projects to improve ICT infrastructure in Nigeria. Below are some of the projects and infrastructures.

National Fiber Optic Backbone

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) launched this project which aims to provide broadband connectivity to all local government areas in the country. The project involves the deployment of fiber-optic cables, establishing a robust backbone network that serves as the foundation for high-speed internet connectivity and ICT services nationwide. This infrastructure has helped a great deal in promoting ICT in Nigeria.

Satellite Communication Systems

Nigeria has made significant impacts on satellite communication systems. The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) project provides satellite-based communication services across Nigeria and neighboring countries. This infrastructure development contributes to expanding broadband coverage, particularly in remote and rural areas where terrestrial connectivity is challenging.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)

Internet Exchange Points are physical locations where Internet Service Providers (ISPs) connect their networks to exchange Internet traffic locally. The establishment and expansion of IXPs in Nigeria have been instrumental in improving the efficiency of internet traffic routing within the country. This helps reduce latency, enhance network performance, and lower costs for ISPs and end-users.

One of the privately owned infrastructures which have promoted economic growth in Nigeria is MainOne. Funke Opeke is the founder and CEO of MainOne, a leading provider of telecom and network services in Nigeria. Through MainOne’s submarine cable system, significant improvements have been made to internet connectivity in Nigeria and West Africa, contributing to promoting ICT in the nation.

National Identity Management System

The government has implemented the National Identity Management System (NIMS) to create a centralized database of citizens’ information. The system incorporates biometric data and provides a unique identification number to individuals, facilitating efficient service delivery and e-governance. Through this system, Integration with Government Services has been enabled, digital Identity, unified identification system, security, and combating fraud have been achieved.

A prominent government official who is applauded for the promotion of ICT in Nigeria is Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.  Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi is the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Under his leadership, NITDA has implemented various programs and policies to drive ICT innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity building in Nigeria. Notable initiatives include the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), the Nigeria ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Vision, and the IT Innovation and Incubation Park project.

ICT Incubation Centers

The government has established ICT incubation centers across the country to support the growth of technology startups and entrepreneurs. These centers provide infrastructure, mentorship, training, and access to funding for ICT-focused businesses. These Incubation centers foster a collaborative ecosystem where startups can connect and collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academia.

This networking environment encourages the sharing of ideas, resources, and partnerships, leading to innovation, cross-pollination of knowledge, and the formation of valuable business relationships. Examples of these centers include ICT Parks and Innovation Hubs such as the Lagos State ICT Park and the Abuja Technology Village, co-creation Hub (CcHUB) in Lagos, Wennovation Hub in Ibadan, and nHub in Jos. These centers have successfully nurtured numerous startups, leading to the development of innovative ICT solutions, job creation, and economic growth in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, hereby promoting ICT in Nigeria.

Omobola Johnson is worthy of our accolades, she served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology from 2011 to 2015. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in promoting ICT infrastructure development, digital inclusion, and the growth of the Nigerian technology ecosystem. She led initiatives like the National Broadband Plan, the establishment of Technology Innovation Hubs, and the implementation of the Government Service Portal.

Digital Skills Development

The government has placed a strong emphasis on digital skills development. Initiatives such as the Digital Nigeria Program and the NITDA’s Digital Literacy and Skills Pillar aim to enhance digital literacy, promote entrepreneurship, and train individuals in ICT-related fields and youth Empowerment Initiatives. Also, the Vocational Training and Certification program focuses on developing specific digital skills, such as software development, data analysis, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and graphic design. Hackathons and Tech Competitions are platforms for participants to showcase their digital skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. These events encourage innovation, collaboration, and the development of practical ICT solutions to address societal challenges, promoting ICT for the interest of the nation.

Local Content Development

Local Content Policies were initiated by the government to encourage the development and utilization of locally produced ICT products and services. The Nigerian government also implemented procurement policies that prioritize the purchase of ICT products and services from local vendors. By giving preference to indigenous companies, these policies create opportunities for local ICT providers to secure government contracts and contribute to the delivery of public services.

These initiatives will enable local content developers in Nigeria to develop the growth of indigenous technology companies and aid in promoting ICT.

Cybersecurity Initiatives

National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy is initiated by the government to guide cybersecurity efforts in the country. This policy outlines the objectives, principles, and frameworks for safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace and promoting secure ICT development. Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity, the Nigerian government has taken steps to enhance cybersecurity measures. This Policy and Strategy provide a framework for securing Nigeria’s cyberspace and critical information infrastructure. However, Cybersecurity Awareness Campaigns and Cybersecurity Capacity Building are also other initiatives by the government to enlighten and equip the nation from its threat.

Conclusion

Nigeria has implemented a range of government initiatives to develop and promote ICT in the country. The National ICT Policy has provided a strategic framework for ICT development, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, skills development, innovation, and digital inclusion. By harnessing the potential of ICT, Nigeria is paving the way for increased connectivity, innovation, and socio-economic progress. Promoting ICT has, it has inturned promoted the national economy.