NCC Pushes Skills Development, EU Partnership to Fast-Track Digital Inclusion

NCC Pushes Skills Development, EU Partnership to Fast-Track Digital Inclusion

The Nigerian Communications Commission has renewed its call for stronger collaboration and capacity building as key drivers of broadband expansion and digital inclusion across the country.

Speaking on the sector’s outlook, the Commission’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, said the Federal Government plans to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables under Project BRIDGE to improve connectivity nationwide.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at extending broadband access to all 774 local government areas, a move expected to deepen access to digital services and support economic growth.

Maida said partnerships remain central to the Commission’s regulatory approach, particularly as Nigeria continues to push its digital economy agenda.

He also pointed to the 2024 presidential order classifying telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, noting that the designation would help safeguard vital digital assets across the country.

According to him, building the right skills base is equally important to achieving meaningful progress.

“A well-trained workforce is essential for a fully connected and digitally empowered Nigeria,” he said, adding that ongoing training programmes are designed to improve regulatory processes and speed up infrastructure deployment.

In her remarks, Inga Stefanowicz of the European Union highlighted ongoing cooperation between Europe and Nigeria in the digital space.

She said the EU’s strategy focuses on investments in infrastructure, innovation and skills development, with similar programmes already underway in several African countries.

Stefanowicz referenced the EU Digital Economy Package for Nigeria, launched in 2022 and valued at €820 million, which includes funding for digital skills, innovation hubs and public digital infrastructure.

She noted that the programme is designed to attract private investment while closing infrastructure gaps, particularly in broadband expansion.

She urged participants in the training initiative to take advantage of the opportunities created through such partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The renewed push by regulators and development partners comes as Nigeria seeks to expand internet access and position its economy for greater digital participation.