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The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) rescheduled one-day Strategic Stakeholders meeting holds this Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Abuja. Meeting was originally intended for first week of June.
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The meeting has garnered significant interest from stakeholders at both the state and federal levels, despite the looming threat of a national protest against economic hardship.
The event, themed ‘Harnessing States’ Potential through the Applications of Technical Efficiencies,’ will see the participation of more than 30 state commissioners, the director general of state-owned ICT agencies, including representatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), permanent secretaries, and heads of ICT agencies. The gathering aims to explore ways to leverage technical efficiencies to unlock the potential of states across Nigeria.
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ATCON committed to interfacing with government agencies
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.
