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The National Executive Council of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has announced a rescheduled one-day Strategic Stakeholders meeting set for July 31, 2024. Meeting was originally intended for first week of June.
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The event, themed ‘Harnessing States Potential through the Applications of Technical Efficiencies,’ will bring together 36 state commissioners, including those from the FCT, permanent secretaries, and heads of ICT agencies, in Abuja.
Over 20 States confirmed to attend
Over 20 State Commissioners, along with key figures from the FCT, Permanent Secretaries, and Heads of ICT Agencies, have confirmed their participation in this pivotal industry event. ATCON serves as the crucial link between its member companies and various levels of government in Nigeria. The association is committed to interfacing with relevant government agencies to facilitate the creation of new policies aimed at the growth of the Nigerian telecoms and ICT sectors.
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON, emphasized the importance of connectivity in driving innovation and the digital economy.
“It is crystal clear that the role of connectivity in driving innovation and the digital economy cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, state governments need to work with telecoms operators to ensure that all hindrances and bottlenecks to pervasive and ubiquitous broadband are completely eradicated through constructive dialogue,” he stated.
Strategic objectives – Fostering collaboration and development of telecom/ICT across Nigeria.
The strategic objectives of the meeting include:
- Discussing the status of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and the 2023-2027 Strategic Blueprint of Dr. Bosun Tijani, focusing on objectives and targets.
- Encouraging telecom operators to establish a presence in all states and promoting capital importation to states ready for development through communications, innovation, and the digital economy.
- Securing state support for initiatives aimed at advancing telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria.
- Establishing an approved method for resolving issues related to right of way, multiple taxation, and other challenges.
- Signing a memorandum of understanding with ATCON to prevent the destruction and shutdown of base stations nationwide and to collaborate with state governments to accelerate development and progress, thereby enhancing broadband penetration and addressing poverty and unemployment.
Key figures invited to play significant roles in the event include Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Barr. Nyesom Wike, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Selected telecom CEOs, Commissioners, and Heads of Agencies will also serve as panel discussants.
This strategic stakeholders’ meeting is expected to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration, driving forward the growth and development of the telecom and ICT sectors across Nigeria.
COVER PHOTO: Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON
