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As Nigeria braces for potential national unrest, the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) hosted a pivotal Strategic Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja. The one-day event, held just before August’s anticipated protest, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between government bodies and the private ICT sector.
The meeting, despite the looming political tensions, was well-attended by high-ranking officials from both state and federal levels, underscoring the significance of the discussions. The Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, along with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), played a key role in the event. Additionally, Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Director Generals of ICT agencies, and Permanent Secretaries from over 20 states were present, highlighting the critical need for a cohesive strategy between operators and state governments to maximize ICT benefits for the populace.
The discussions were marked by a clear intention from states to engage more proactively with ICT operators. State representatives, including Dr. Justin Beshel, Cross River State Commissioner for Science and Technology, highlighted their efforts to simplify taxation and support operators with frameworks like the Build-One policy. This approach aims to streamline tax processes and infrastructure support.
Another major topic was the need for improved communication and more efficient permit acquisition processes. Special Adviser on ICT to the Ogun State Governor, Dayo Abiodun, advocated for direct engagement with state governments to expedite business operations. However, some participants argued that a more systematic and broad-based approach would better address the challenges of obtaining operational permits and approvals.
Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State on Innovation & Business Incubation, and Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, showcased Anambra State’s successful framework for facilitating business operations. They encouraged operators to leverage the state’s existing policies to streamline their activities.
A key outcome of the meeting was ATCON’s success in establishing a communication channel between ICT operators and state governments. This initiative aims to address pressing sector issues and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere emphasized the association’s dedication to bridging gaps between operators and state governments, which is crucial for the sector’s advancement. Despite the challenges, the ICT sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP exceeded 13.5% in Q4 2023, reflecting its growth potential.
The meeting demonstrated that progress in the ICT sector can be accelerated through improved collaboration. The event underscored the necessity of support from both federal and state levels to achieve business objectives, with ongoing dialogue being essential for building a more efficient and cooperative ICT sector in Nigeria.
Overall, ATCON’s initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing ICT synergy, offering hope for a more integrated and supportive environment for the industry.
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