Nigeria: Insights from the Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) 2023

The recent Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) 2023, organized by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, brought together industry experts and leaders to discuss the central theme: “Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations.” Amidst these discussions, several key highlights emerged:

Panel Session: Impact of Data Protection Policy on the Development of the Nigerian Digital Economy

• Local Investment Emphasis: Participants stressed the need for increased local involvement and investment in Nigeria’s digital economy. Reducing reliance on foreign investments and garnering support from Nigerian banks were identified as crucial steps.
• Broadband Expansion: Expanding broadband access, especially in remote areas, was highlighted as vital for both inclusivity in the digital economy and economic growth.
• Promotion of Local Content: Recognizing Nigeria’s potential to compete globally, experts emphasized the development and exportation of high-quality local content, spanning entertainment to digital services.
• Regulatory Challenges: The discussion acknowledged the complexities associated with overlapping jurisdictions among regulatory agencies. Balancing data protection with innovation was a central concern in the dynamic digital landscape.
• Data Sovereignty: Experts stressed the importance of safeguarding data while facilitating the free flow of digital information across borders. The economic implications of data sovereignty and the need for a nuanced approach were emphasized.
• African Collaboration: There was a call for collaboration among African regulatory bodies to harmonize policies and regulations for unified data protection and digital regulation across the continent.

The panel session concluded with a focus on the urgency of local participation, broadband expansion, and the promotion of local content. While addressing the challenge of balancing data protection with innovation remains a complex task, experts unanimously advocated for a collaborative and adaptable approach to foster economic growth in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

Panel Discussion: Critical National Infrastructure Policy as a Strategic Tool for Attracting Rapid Investment

• Policy Protection: Panelists underscored the significance of policies safeguarding critical national information assets and infrastructure. While acknowledging existing policies, the effectiveness of enforcement emerged as a key concern.
• Effective Policies: The panel questioned whether Nigeria’s policies are sufficient and effective in protecting critical national information assets and attracting investments. Effective enforcement mechanisms, including clear rewards and sanctions, were deemed essential for compliance.
• Collaborative Policy Formulation: Collaboration between the public and private sectors in policy development was highlighted as crucial. Widespread consultation and stakeholder ownership were identified as pivotal for policy effectiveness.
• Human Element: Skilled ICT personnel availability was discussed, emphasizing the need to engage and motivate professionals to contribute to the ICT sector’s growth within Nigeria.
• Education and Enforcement: The discussion emphasized the importance of education, awareness, and enforcement in safeguarding critical national infrastructure. Educating the public about the consequences of infrastructure damage and penalties for policy violations were seen as critical.

In summary, the panel discussions illuminated the complexities of safeguarding critical national information assets in Nigeria and the multifaceted approach required to address these challenges effectively. Collaboration among stakeholders, the role of policies, education, and enforcement were highlighted as key factors in achieving this goal.