Telecom
Stakeholders Urge Government to Put in Place Basic Infrastructures to Drive Digital Revolution
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) stakeholders have called on Federal Government to put in place basic infrastructures that will drive Digital Transformation in the country.
They made this call at the 9th edition of the eWorld Forum 2018, held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said that there cannot be meaningful digital transformation when basic infrastructure to drive the revolution are not in place.
He state that for Digital Transformation to be efficient there is need for deployment of infrastructure to enable speed of broadband delivery and quality of service while urging on government to provide legal framework that will enable businesses thrive.
According to him, “to aid digitization there is need for deployment of infrastructure to enable speed of broadband delivery and quality of service.
“Whilst businesses in eCommence; eHealth; eAgriculture and the rest may be coming up with better digital innovation, the issue is whether the current legal framework enables these businesses thrive?”
Adebayo who represented at the event by Eno Udoma-Eniang, Regulatory & Legal Committee Chairperson at ALTON, called on Government at each level to support the massive deployment of telecom infrastructure in their domain for efficient digital transformation of their day to day activities by looking at the long-term benefits of all the infrastructure in place for better service delivery to the citizen.
Adebayo noted that ALTON is committed to the smart cities initiative by which the States in Nigeria can all be transformed to digital operating States.
Muhammed Rudman, Chief Executive Officer, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, in his presentation titled “Nigeria’s Readiness for Digital Transformation” said that digital transformation is hitting the world in a big way and no government or business can thrive without incorporating technology in its core strategy.
He noted that since the invention of computers and later the Internet, the world has been on the march towards total digital transformation, adding that every aspect of our lives is affected by this transformation.
He stated that Nigeria’s journey to digital transformation began with the liberalization of the telecom sector which ushered in the first Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) operator and the award of the first Digital Mobile License (DML) in 2001.
He also urged government at all level to develop strategic roadmap towards digital transformation, which should be developed with input from all stakeholders.
Muyiwa Ogungboye, Chief Executive Officer, Estream Networks, explained that the readiness of Nigeria as a country for Digital Transformation rest largely with all tiers of government and relevant government agencies be it at federal, state and local government.
He noted that although the country has concretized its readiness for Digital Transformation with the works of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) a lot still needs to be done in the drive to digitally transform the country.
Ogungboye also commended the government on the successes already recorded over the years in entrenching Digital Transformation in the country.
According to him,” Nigeria has since been ready for Digital Transformation with the establishment of NCC and NITDA, but there were challenges that have slowed down her speed of Digital Transformation.
“Before I mention some of the changes, allow me to mention some success that we have recorded over the years.
“At the federal government level, all payments now goes through a single treasury account called TSA via Remita Software from Systemspecs Nig Ltd.
“This move has made our government to realized billions of hiding monies.
“At the state level, most state government has installed various softwares that tracks the collection of various levies which has resulted to increased Internally Generated Funds.
“Another is Ghost workers has been reduced if not eliminated in some states.”
He also revealed that “At the private sector level, Nigeria has had an explosion of several Telecommunications and Software Companies that are adding value to the economy.”
He equally identified some challenges that is slowing down the country’s speed to Digital Transformation as “The will power of the Nigeria Government to implement Digital Transformation nationwide on whatever activities any citizen does.”
Other challenges he identified were Right of Way Issue, Multiple Taxation, levies and fees on the same existing infrastructure, Fragmented and limited distribution of fiber and telecom infrastructure to several areas of the country creating large swathes of un-served or under-served communities within States or Local Government Areas, Long delays in the issuance of permits for new infrastructure, Severe power challenges, Multiple agencies doing the same function.
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
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