Prof Isa Pantami

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, will on Thursday, November 24, 2022, in Abuja, preside over the commencement of landmark broadband initiatives to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC. This is in line with efforts to accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria and advance the course of digital economy projections for the nation.

A statement by the Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Reuben Muoka, said the event will also 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 was further gathered that the Minister is also billed to present a book, SKILLS RATHER THAN JUST DEGREES, authored by him, with a foreword written by President, Microsoft Corporation, Brad Smith.

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.

The statement reads in part: “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.”