NCC lists broadband expansion, digital inclusion as foundation for Nigeria’s digital future

Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that broadband expansion, digital inclusion, and universal access are the foundation for Nigeria’s digital future.

He described connectivity as the backbone of Nigeria’s emerging digital economy at the Enugu Tech Festival 2026, making strong calls for capacity building, innovation, and inclusive digital growth.

While delivering a goodwill message, Maida stated that opportunity holds little value without deliberate investment in capacity.

Drawing from his professional journey, Maida urged young innovators to believe in themselves, remain purposeful, and seize opportunities being created across government and the private sector, stressing that preparation will define who thrives in a digital-first future.

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu State, said human capital, not natural resources, has become the world’s most valuable asset.

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He added that the real constraints facing societies today are imagination and the courage to act.

He challenged innovators to develop solutions that fix broken systems and retain value locally by exporting ideas rather than talent.

Highlighting Enugu’s transformation agenda, the governor pointed to initiatives such as Smart Green Schools, AI and robotics education, digital governance platforms, GIS-driven land administration, and expanded digital infrastructure as pillars of a growing knowledge economy.

Kashifu Inuwa, DG of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) who was represented by Aristotle Onumo, director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, said Nigeria must shift from consuming technology to creating it.

He noted projections that the global digital economy could contribute as much as $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years.

The global digital economy is experiencing rapid growth, with recent projections indicating it will exceed the $23 trillion mark, potentially reaching up to $28 trillion by 2026.

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This expansion is driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and increased technology spending, and is expected to represent approximately 22 percent to 24 percent of global GDP within the next few years, according to Inter-American Development Bank.

NITDA presented 50 laptops to beneficiaries of its Digital Skills Acceleration Competition, a merit-based programme designed to train participants in high-demand areas including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, programming, IoT, digital literacy, and soft skills.

Ana Westerholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, described digital growth as no longer optional but essential by laying emphasis that technology must be guided by leadership, security, and ethical considerations, calling for collaboration in building a shared digital future.

Leo Ekeh, founder of Zinox Technologies urged innovators to focus on building lasting value before seeking visibility while Kingsley Eze, CEO of Tenece, highlighted Enugu’s rising innovation profile and encouraged young people to start with available resources and grow steadily.