Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, will on Thursday preside over the commencement of broadband initiatives to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) to accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria and advance the course of digital economy projections for the nation.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Director, Public Affairs NCC Reuben Muoka
According to the statement, the event will witness the award of contracts for the provision of broadband infrastructure for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), as well as for tertiary and higher institutions of learning across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
It noted that Pantami is also billed to present a book titled Skills Rather than Just Degrees authored by him, with a foreword written by Brad Smith, President, Microsoft Corporation.
It said the list of projects for the various geopolitical zones that are set for launch were recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), after presentation by the Minister. The projects are expected to be completed within six months, from the date of the award.
“Well-known tech companies have been selected through a transparent tendering process by the NCC for the implementation of the strategic projects.
“The event is expected to attract multi-stakeholders from the academia, technology enthusiasts, including prospective start-up companies, fintech organisations and other interested sectors, whose activities are billed to energize the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030.
“The provision of broadband infrastructure for the MSMEs in Nigeria, and for tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country will add the necessary fillip towards achieving the major objectives spelt out in the NDEPS 2020-2030,” the statement reads.
