Telecom
Economic Diversification, Ethical Leadership Panacea to Nigeria’s Economic Crisis – Danbatta
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman/ceo, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has underscored the centrality of economic diversification and ethical leadership at all levels of government as panacea to the current economic headwinds in Nigeria.
Danbatta stated this when he delivered a paper titled: “Ethical Leadership as an Instrument for National Sustainability in the Post-Oil Nigerian Economy. A Public Sector Perspective” at a two-day hybrid (online and onsite) Annual Directors Conference (ADC) organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD), Nigeria earlier this week, where he also emphasised that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) or digital age promises greater revenue-earning potential to the nation.
Danbatta, who went on a memory lane to discuss Nigeria’s economic shift to oil revenue following discovery of oil in the 1970s, leading to the relegation of agriculture, which was hitherto the source of Nigeria’s foreign exchanges earnings, said the Federal Government has realised that Nigeria cannot be solely dependent on oil earnings anymore, hence the decision of the FG to explore ways of diversifying the economy.
Economic diversification, according to Danbatta, is the process of shifting an economy away from a single income source toward multiple sources from a growing range of sectors and markets.
He said this is with a view to increasing productivity, creating jobs and providing the basis for sustained economic growth.
The EVC said though, the Federal Government has made several attempts at economic diversification such attempts have had little impact as majority of them have folded up, whilst others are finding it difficult to survive, just as he noted that the situation has further been compounded by the recent economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, which adversely affected the global economy, including Nigeria.
Danbatta stated that countries and societies have evolved by finding new ways of doing things to ensure economic sustainability, which has led to the first, second and third industrial revolutions.
“Currently, countries are exploiting the 4IR in order to diversify their economies. The fourth industrial revolution, which has also been referred to as 4IR or Industry 4.0, describes the age of intelligence and encompasses technologies like high-speed mobile Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, the use of big data analytics and cloud computing,” he said.
While highlighting the major constraints facing Nigeria with regard to the fourth industrial revolution to include inadequacy of digital skills, infrastructure deficit and enabling environment, Danbatta, emphasised that the 4IR is the information and digital economy age, which, if properly enhanced and exploited, can unleash a new phase of massive revenue generation and wealth creation for Nigeria in the post-oil era.
“This is because while natural resources such as oil, gas, and so on, are finite, data and information are infinite. Furthermore, the possibilities provided by the 4IR are limitless and can generate employment for Nigeria’s teeming youth population Therefore, in order to achieve economic growth using the 4IR there is the need for ethical leadership,” he said.
Zeroing on the centrality of ethical leadership in the public sector, Danbatta said in order to achieve national sustainability in the post-oil Nigerian economy, the highest standard of ethical leadership is required of all leaders especially in the public sector.
“Ethical leadership is essential for sustainable development of a Country. Nurturing an ethical leadership culture is essential and this will determine the transformation and overall development of the Country.
“Nigeria stands at the threshold of history and would definitely need ethical leaders to ensure sustainability in the post-oil era as government takes positive steps to diversify the economy,” he added.
The IoD Nigeria Annual Directors’ Conference is the Institute’s flagship event, which is attended by captains of industry and directors in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.
It is a forum where contemporary issues affecting leadership and corporate governance of Nigeria’s businesses are x-rayed and global best practice solutions provided by professionals and practitioners in corporate administrations.
Telecom
ntel Unveils ‘The Next Frontier’ Strategy to Drive Growth in Connectivity, Infrastructure, Real Estate
ntel has unveiled “The Next Frontier,” a new corporate strategy aimed at accelerating growth across digital connectivity, telecommunications infrastructure, and real estate development as it repositions itself as an integrated technology and infrastructure company.
L-R; Chairman, Natcom Development Investment Ltd, Mr. Adeleke Alex-Adedipe; Director, Natcom Development Investment Ltd, Ms. Oladele Aremu; Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo; Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Olorunnimbe; MD\CEO, Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Gbenga Alade and MD/CEO NATCOM Development Investment Ltd trading as ntel, Mr. Soji Maurice-Diya, during the relaunch of ntel business in Lagos on Monday evening
The strategy is built on the company’s BET Agenda, which is anchored on three business pillars—Beam, Eden, and Titan—designed to drive innovation, optimise assets, and create long-term value through technology, infrastructure, and property development.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NatCom Development & Investment Limited (trading as ntel), Soji Maurice-Diya, said the initiative represents a significant step in the company’s transformation beyond traditional telecommunications.
According to him, The Next Frontier reflects ntel’s commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that connects people, empowers businesses, promotes digital inclusion, and contributes to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He noted that over the past year, the company has strengthened stakeholder engagement, aligned its business strategy, held constructive discussions with creditors, pursued strategic partnerships with mobile network operators, and restructured its operations to improve efficiency while maximising the value of its infrastructure assets.
As part of the Beam business pillar, ntel launched WakaGo, a global e-SIM solution designed to provide seamless connectivity for international travellers. The company also introduced AirFibre, a high-speed fixed wireless broadband service targeted at businesses requiring reliable internet connectivity.
Under Titan, ntel showcased its expanding infrastructure business, which includes tower development, fibre-optic connectivity, duct infrastructure, colocation services, and infrastructure-sharing solutions aimed at supporting telecommunications operators, enterprises, and technology providers.
The company also unveiled Eden, its real estate development platform, which seeks to transform NatCom’s extensive property portfolio into premium commercial and residential developments.
Three flagship projects announced under the platform include Eden Place, a multi-storey commercial development in Lagos; Nova Place, a commercial complex located in Port Harcourt; and Terenna Court, a premium residential apartment development in Abuja.
According to the company, the projects are expected to unlock greater value from its real estate assets through strategic partnerships, innovative design, and sustainable development.
The unveiling attracted prominent stakeholders from government, the telecommunications sector, and the private sector, including the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AMCON, Gbenga Alade; Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe; Chairman of NatCom Development & Investment Limited, Adeleke Alex-Adedipe; Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo; President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere; alongside other industry leaders.
The company said the new strategy positions ntel to leverage opportunities at the intersection of digital connectivity, infrastructure development, and real estate, while supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic development.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education sector through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, innovation and digital skills development as it moves to establish a collaborative partnership with the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State.
Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Building (DLCB), representing the Director General of NITDA, and the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), alongside members of their respective delegations, pose for a group photograph following a strategic engagement on advancing digital innovation, research collaboration, and technology driven education.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the University’s management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions centred on building a robust digital ecosystem capable of supporting teaching, research, innovation and talent development.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, stated that the Agency remains committed to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation by supporting tertiary institutions to develop the infrastructure and human capital required to compete in the global digital economy.
He noted that NITDA has consistently championed initiatives that strengthen digital capacity within higher institutions through the establishment of Information Technology Community Centres, IT Parks, Innovation Hubs and digital literacy programmes designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and research.
According to him, the Agency’s interventions are aligned with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to institutionalise digital skills across Nigeria’s education system and equip graduates with globally relevant competencies.
Inuwa assured the University’s management that the Agency would give due consideration to its request for support, stressing that collaboration with academic institutions remains central to NITDA’s mandate of building a digitally inclusive and innovation-driven economy.
“Our mandate is to develop and regulate Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by providing enabling infrastructure and building the digital capacity of Nigerians. Through our interventions in universities, including IT Parks, Innovation Hubs and digital literacy initiatives, we are laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy. We will carefully review your requests and identify areas where the Agency can provide the necessary support,” he said.
He further emphasised that NITDA would continue to forge strategic partnerships that promote innovation, digital inclusion, research excellence and workforce development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Earlier, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom described the Federal University of Environment and Technology as a specialised institution established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the developmental aspirations of the Ogoni people while promoting excellence in environmental sustainability, science, technology and innovation.
He explained that although the University is still in its formative stage, it has successfully developed its master plan, academic brief and academic structure, securing approval to commence academic activities across six faculties, including Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences and Management Sciences.
The Vice Chancellor, however, identified inadequate ICT infrastructure as a major challenge confronting the institution, noting that technology-driven programmes such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security and Information Technology currently lack the essential computing facilities required for effective teaching and learning.
“We have established departments in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security and Information Technology, but we currently do not have the basic computing facilities needed to support these programmes. To prepare our students for the realities of today’s digital economy, we require computers, workstations, digital laboratories and reliable internet connectivity,” Professor Mmom stated.
He appealed to NITDA to support the University with critical digital infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives that would enable it to deliver quality technology education, stimulate research and innovation, and nurture graduates equipped with industry-relevant digital skills.
The meeting concluded with both institutions expressing optimism that the proposed collaboration would serve as a catalyst for strengthening digital education, advancing research and innovation, and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy through strategic investments in human capital development.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says expanding digital infrastructure is crucial to Nigeria’s industrialisation plan, stressing that technology remains a leading enabler of the country’s economic development and growth.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, delivering a goodwill message at the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON) 2026 organised by Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA
NITDA made the declaration at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026), organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industries (NACCIMA) in Abuja under the theme “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the need for increased infrastructure investments and the integration of digital and conventional infrastructure to expand Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
Inuwa noted that integrated infrastructure is essential for long-term growth, efficient and robust urban environments, and the overall well-being of communities in this digital era.
“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital.
“Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated. So, there is a need to integrate digital in the conventional infrastructure we are building’’, Inuwa said.
He commended the federal government for supporting the organised private sector in the renewed campaign to redouble Nigeria’s infrastructure assets.
The NITDA DG assured that the agency is open to partnering with NACCIMA and other stakeholders to bolster the federal government’s public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.
“The government has initiated Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the private sector to be part of building the infrastructure.
“NITDA will support you to work with the government in building the digital infrastructure. We are already working with NACCIMA on how to digitise its infrastructure,’’ he added.
In his welcome address, the President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim told participants that INFRACON 2026 is conceived to serve as Nigeria’s foremost platform for mobilising private capital, innovative ideas, and strategic partnerships for infrastructure development.
Ibrahim urged participants to approach the conference with a spirit of partnership, innovation, and action, adding that NACCIMA is taking urgent measures to identify committed partners, promote investment-ready opportunities, and monitor progress towards achieving the national economic target in the next few years.
He announced that this year’s conference focuses on priority areas, including power and electricity, maritime and blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for increased national productivity, and infrastructure for industrialisation and export growth.
While appreciating the conference participants and sponsors, the president promised that NACCIMA is ready to walk with all stakeholders to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment.
“Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs and deliver sustainable prosperity. Together, we can build the foundation for Nigeria’s one trillion-dollar economy’’, he stated.
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