Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has praised the proposal put forth by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, to train three million Nigerians in ICT skills over a span of four years.
Speaking at the City Business News Summit in Lagos, Maida commended the initiative, which has already garnered 1 million applicants, foreseeing its potential to transform Nigeria into a global exporter of digital skills.
He discussed the broader vision of positioning Nigeria as a leading technical talent hub globally, fostering innovation, and contributing to economic diversification.
Addressing the theme of the summit, ‘Repositioning Nigerian Economy through Telecommunications: 2023 and Beyond,’ Maida emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to embracing technological disruption and fostering innovation for sustainable growth and improved living standards.
Represented by Ismail Adedigba, the Commission’s Director of Research and Development, Maida outlined the vision to increase the level of digital literacy and technical skills among Nigerians, aiming for 70% by the end of 2027.
The focus areas include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), IoT, Robotics, Blockchain, and Additive Manufacturing.
Maida underscored the Ministry’s policy direction driven by five pillars: policy, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and capital, trade, and knowledge. These pillars form the foundation of the Strategic Vision Plan (2023 – 2025) and guide efforts to harness the potential of the telecommunications sector for positive change in Nigeria.
The Commission remains steadfast in providing an enabling environment for critical infrastructure, ensuring quality broadband connectivity, and efficient management of the nation’s spectrum resources.
Maida concluded by calling for collaboration and strategic partnerships to achieve the ambitious goals outlined, acknowledging that with collective efforts, these objectives are attainable.
