At the 35th APRA conference in Abidjan, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showcased Nigeria’s digital social investments. Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Media Management Relations at NCC, highlighted these initiatives and was elected APRA Secretary-General during the event from May 13-17, 2024.
In his presentation “Digital Inclusion as Arbiter of Accessible PR,” Dr. Ibietan highlighted 36 NCC initiatives aimed at infrastructure expansion, SME support, educational empowerment, innovation, and digital up-skilling of Nigerian youths.
These initiatives include ADAPTI, CIEP, e-PAD for 232 institutions, DAP for 247 schools, DLT for teachers, DIP for MSMEs, and the E-Accessibility program for persons with disabilities.
Other initiatives include the Nigerian Girls Can Code, Build A-Thon, TIDC for 250 institutions, 2,291 Digital Nigeria Centers, and 72 Rural Broadband projects.
He noted that the NCC, via its special vehicle, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), has initiated numerous digital infrastructure projects, programs, and collaborations with stakeholders.
“These interventions have boosted digital literacy, reduced the digital divide, and enhanced participation in political, economic, and social processes in Nigeria,” he said.
During the APRA Conference themed “One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide,” presenters showcased over 20 papers, with Ibietan’s being the sole presentation highlighting digital infrastructure investments by an African country.
Stressing the importance of digital inclusion, it enables individuals and groups to fully participate in the digital society, especially through ICTs like the internet, computers, and mobile devices.
Submitted was that digital inclusion includes not just access to digital tech but also the skills, knowledge, and resources to use them effectively.
He also emphasised that the phenomenon of digital inclusion is desirable for economies that aspire to grow and develop in remarkable and measurable sense.
Digital inclusion fosters opportunities, civic engagement, education, digital skills, innovation, and reduces inequalities, he highlighted.
He referenced that the COVID-19 pandemic and its fallouts proved the significance of digital infrastructure to the economy.
Nigeria’s broadband investment aided COVID-19 response by enabling digital platforms. Continuous stakeholder communication is key for efficient management and maximizing benefits from social investments and infrastructure projects.
