ATCON to host strategic stakeholders meeting with ICT Leaders from all 36 states

The National Executive Council of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is organizing a one-day Strategic Stakeholders meeting with commissioners, permanent secretaries, and heads of Major ICT agencies from all 36 states, including the FCT. The event, scheduled for June 5, 2024, in Abuja, will focus on the theme “Harnessing States’ Potential through the Applications of Technical Efficiencies.”

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ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere emphasized the critical role of connectivity in driving innovation and the digital economy. He highlighted the necessity for state governments to collaborate with telecom operators to eliminate hindrances and bottlenecks to achieving pervasive and ubiquitous broadband through constructive dialogue.

The meeting aims to:

1. Discuss the progress and status of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and the Strategic Blueprint 2023-2027 by the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
2. Encourage ATCON members to establish a presence in all states and promote capital importation to states prepared for development facilitated by communications, innovation, and the digital economy.
3. Secure state-level support for initiatives aimed at advancing telecommunications infrastructure development across the federation.
4. Develop a standardized approach to resolving issues related to the right of way, multiple taxation, and other related challenges.
5. Sign a memorandum of understanding with ATCON to prevent the destruction and shutdown of base stations nationwide.
6. Foster collaboration with state governments to accelerate development and enhance broadband penetration, addressing poverty and unemployment issues.

Prominent attendees will include Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Nyesom Wike, 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 participate as panel discussants.