1.0 Preamble
The 2023 Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF 2023) was organised by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) on Thursday September 7, 2023 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, located at No 3 Lekki-Epe Express Way, Victoria Island, Lagos from 9am to 3pm. The 2023 Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum is an industry programme that brings together, industry players and regulators to address burning industry issues, with a view to proffering solutions to the identified challenges. This year’s forum has the theme: ‘Success Factors and Barriers To National Broadband And Digital Economy Aspirations.’
2.0 Objectives
The objectives of the 2023 Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum are as follows:
a. Assess the level of national broadband deployment and penetration
b. Highlight the success factors of national broadband deployment
c. Identify the barriers to national broadband deployment
d. Identify other challenges inhibiting growth of ICT sector
e. Proffer solutions to identified sector challenges
f. Articulate the identified challenges
g. Present the articulated challenges in the form of a communique to the appropriate authorities.
3.0 Attendees
The 2023 Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF 2023) was well attended by a huge number of ATCON members, as well as members of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), including telecom executives and industry regulators like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), among others.
Sn. |
Title |
First Name |
Surname |
Organization |
1 |
Mr |
Abayomi |
Adebanjo |
Mainone |
2 |
Mr |
ABAYOMI |
AKERELE |
EF-SECURE TECHNOLOGIES |
3 |
Ms |
Abimbola |
Falope |
PAN African Towers |
4 |
Mr. |
Abiodun |
Sanni |
Rack Centre |
5 |
Engr. |
Abiodun |
Omoniyi |
VDT communications Limited |
6 |
Mr |
Abiola |
Agunbiade |
Moneymaster pSB |
7 |
Miss |
Abolade |
Kosemani |
Optiva Capital |
8 |
Mr |
Abubakar |
Egbeweli |
Techlifewith Ugo |
9 |
Mrs |
Ada |
Omowonuola |
Tangerine Africa |
10 |
Mr |
Adedayo |
Adekemi |
Funtay Gas Company Limited |
11 |
Engr. |
Ademakinwa |
Adetoro |
Baicells Technologies Co Ltd |
12 |
Mr |
Ademorin |
Aremu |
Funtay Integrated Business Limited |
13 |
Mrs |
Aderonke |
Adeyegbe |
Comercio limited |
14 |
Ms. |
Aderonke |
Adebanjo |
ATC Nigeria |
15 |
Mrs |
Adesola |
Adesugba |
OADC |
16 |
Mr |
Adetunji |
Olumogba |
NextGen Telcom |
17 |
Mr. |
Adeyemi |
Adepetun |
The Guardian Newspapers |
18 |
Mrs |
Afure |
Iloka |
NCC |
19 |
Mr |
Ajibola |
Olude |
ATCON |
20 |
Miss |
Amuche |
Ani |
Tangerine Africa |
21 |
Miss |
Anabel |
Adagbasa |
Fiberone |
22 |
Miss |
Anu |
Awojuobi |
Raypower fm |
23 |
Mrs |
Ashleigh |
obielumali |
WTES |
24 |
Mr |
Austin |
Agili |
Emmvic |
25 |
Mr |
Ayo |
Adeagbo |
Nigerian Communications Commision |
26 |
Mr |
Ayo |
Awe |
Orange |
27 |
Dr |
Ayotunde |
Coker |
Open Access Data Centres |
28 |
Mr. |
Bassey |
Daniel |
CBNLA |
29 |
Mr |
Benjamin |
Baiyekusi |
NETACCESS |
30 |
Mrs |
Blessing |
Chukwudi |
Rapidlink Telekoms Ltd |
31 |
Mrs |
Blossom |
Isika |
Airtel |
32 |
Mrs |
Bukola |
Olanrewaju |
Business Remarks |
33 |
Mrs |
Bunmi |
Olude |
Union Bank of Nigeria |
34 |
Mr |
Chidi |
Ajuzie |
WTES PROJECTS LTD |
35 |
Ms |
Chidinma |
Ihemedu |
Layer3 Limited |
36 |
Mrs |
Chidumebi |
Egbule |
Ncc |
37 |
Mr |
Chijioke Francis |
Isaac |
Fips |
38 |
Mr |
Chimdi |
Chiezukwa |
Freepass Ltd |
39 |
Mrs |
Chinenye |
Anufori |
The Sun Newspaper |
40 |
Mrs |
Chioma |
Ezike |
Frcn |
41 |
ms |
Christabel |
justine |
Tech tv |
42 |
Mis |
Christiana |
Duruji |
Beautyhomes |
43 |
Mr |
Clement |
Okoye |
Lead times African |
44 |
Mr |
David |
Apara |
BusinessDay |
45 |
mrs |
dorcas |
monnu |
Firstwatt |
46 |
Engr |
Edoyemi |
Ogoh |
Nigerian Communications Commission |
47 |
Mr |
Edwin |
hilary |
lCCI |
48 |
Mr |
Ehize |
Ilozavbie |
American Tower Corporation |
49 |
Barr. |
Ejikeme |
Onyeaso |
Adaba Consult |
50 |
Mrs |
Ejiroghene |
Ndam |
Du craft ltd |
51 |
Mr |
Elijah |
Oyetunji |
Nigcomsat ltd |
52 |
Mr. |
Emma |
Okonji |
THISDAY Newspapers |
53 |
Mr |
Emmanuel |
Nwaneri |
VDT COMMUNICATIONS |
54 |
Mrs |
Evelyn |
Okezie |
Liquid Intelligent Technologies |
55 |
Mr |
Fatai |
Sheu |
Igwenoni Multimedia IMV |
56 |
Faith |
Fatima |
Garuba |
NETACCESS SYSTEMS LTD |
57 |
Mrs |
Favour |
Umoru |
Legrand Electric |
58 |
Mrs |
Folakemi |
Olusesi |
Nigcomsat |
59 |
Mr |
Folu |
Runsewe |
Main One Cable Company Ltd |
60 |
Mr. |
Foluso |
Ajanaku |
NCC |
61 |
Ms |
Francesca |
Veracruz |
MTN Nigeria |
62 |
Mr |
Francis |
Awoefe |
Trussnet |
63 |
Mr |
Gabriel |
Ohiare |
OADC |
64 |
Engr |
Gbenga |
Adebayo |
Alton |
65 |
Ms |
Grace |
Onyeabor |
Vdt communications |
66 |
Mr |
Habeeb |
Salami |
News Agency of Nigeria |
67 |
Miss |
Halimat |
Ogirima |
Atcis |
68 |
Mr |
Haruna |
Isa Fago |
Wema Bank |
69 |
Mrs |
Hauwa |
Buba Wakili |
NCC |
70 |
Ms |
Helen |
Emmanuel |
Coloplus worldwide services |
71 |
Mr |
Henry |
Amami |
ATCON |
72 |
Ms |
Hope |
Mfon |
BridgeGap Consults Limited |
73 |
Dr |
Ibiso |
Kingsley-George |
Nigerian Communications Commission |
74 |
Mr |
Ibrahim |
Odemuyiwa |
NCC |
75 |
Mr |
Ibrahim |
Salihu |
Police |
76 |
Mr |
idowu |
Esoimeme |
LM Ericsson |
77 |
Mr |
ifeanyi |
onyeaso |
adaba consult |
78 |
Mr |
Ifeatu |
Ojiakor |
MainOne |
79 |
Mr |
Ifeatu |
Ifeatu Ojiakor |
MainOne |
80 |
Mr |
Ifeoluwa Olarinde |
Olarinde |
Cedarview Communications Limited |
81 |
Mrs |
Ijeoma |
Onoja |
Public servant |
82 |
Mrs |
Ijeoma |
Bassey |
Nigerian Communications Commission |
83 |
Mr |
Iman |
Muhammed |
Riffutures |
84 |
IMr |
Isaiah |
Erhiawarien |
TechnologyMirror |
85 |
Mrs |
Isimeme |
Joseph |
Nigerian Communications Commission |
86 |
Mr |
Ismaila |
Nalado |
Ncc |
87 |
Mr |
Israel |
Jemigbon |
Dotmac technologies ltd |
88 |
Mr |
Jacob |
Akinlade |
eStream Networks LTD |
89 |
Miss |
Jennifer |
Gaadi |
Gaadis farms |
90 |
Ms |
Joan |
Aimuengheuwa |
TechEconomy |
91 |
Engr |
Johnson |
Aderonmu |
Internet Solutions Nigeria |
92 |
Mr |
Joseph |
Adewoye |
Vodnet |
93 |
Mr |
Kabiru |
Yusuf |
Voice of Nigeria |
94 |
Mrs |
Karo |
Akaba |
ATC Nigeria |
95 |
Dr. |
Kehinde |
Joda |
FiberOne /ATCON |
96 |
Mr |
Kevin |
kaburu |
China mobile international |
97 |
Mr |
Kunle |
Azeez |
NCC |
98 |
Mr |
Lanre |
Olanrewaju |
Equinoxcore Technology Limited |
99 |
Mr |
Lanre |
Kuforiji |
ATC Nigeria |
100 |
Ms |
lee |
casie |
B&L |
101 |
Mr |
Lima |
Kingsley |
Kodahotshot |
102 |
Engr |
Lookman |
Odunusi |
ATCIS |
103 |
Mr. |
Love |
Enabulele |
Coloplus Worldwide services Limited |
104 |
Mr |
Lucas |
Ajanaku |
The Nation newspaper |
105 |
Mrs |
Mansurah |
Adam-Esuola |
CRC Data Analytics Limited |
106 |
Mrs |
Mariam |
Saliu |
NIGCOMSAT |
107 |
Mr |
Martins |
Akingba |
Estream Network |
108 |
Ms |
Mary |
George |
ATCIS |
109 |
Mr |
Matthew |
Okwori |
Kodakhotshots Ltd |
110 |
Miss |
Mercy |
Moses |
Joshella ushering services |
111 |
Mr |
Michael |
Hussaini |
Alliance Towers Limited |
112 |
Mr |
Michael |
Ogundeji |
Capital Market Retail Investment Consultancy |
113 |
Ms |
Miracle |
Umakeiso |
JE JOSHELLA USHERING SERVICE |
114 |
Dr |
Mohammed |
Suleh-Yusuf |
Nigerian Communications Commission |
115 |
Mr |
Moshood |
Oteniara |
ATC Nigeria |
116 |
Mr |
Muhammed |
Rudman |
IXPN |
117 |
Mr |
Nadim |
Chidiac |
Radical technology network ltd |
118 |
Ms |
Nihinlola |
Fafore |
Huawei technologies |
119 |
Mr |
Nommy |
Paul |
Spectranet |
120 |
Mr |
Nwabuko |
Kalu |
Pan-African towers limited |
121 |
Mr |
Oba |
Adéoyè |
Arise News TV |
122 |
Engr |
Obehi |
Okosun |
Cambridge broadband networks limited |
123 |
Mr |
Obinna |
Nweje |
Primacle Limited |
124 |
Mr |
Oboko |
Chris |
NCC |
125 |
Mr |
Ofili |
Myke |
Coloplus Worldwide service limited |
126 |
Dr |
Oguchukwu |
Okeke |
Aenon communications Ltd |
127 |
Ms. |
Ojay |
Ikani |
Storingup Services |
128 |
Mr |
Okim-Alobi |
Oyama |
Liquid intelligent technologies |
129 |
Mr |
OLA Saint |
Blessed |
Empower Africa Project |
130 |
Mr |
Oladele |
Adedoyin |
Liquid intelligent Technologies |
131 |
Mr. |
Olakunle Daniel |
Olalere |
Internet Solutions Nigeria Limited |
132 |
Mr |
Olalekan |
Mudashiru |
MainOne |
133 |
Mr |
Olasunkanmi Olusogo |
Olagunju |
Project Solutions Institute |
134 |
Mr |
Olawale |
Owoeye |
Cedarview Communication Limited |
135 |
Engr. |
Olayinka |
Ajao |
Zyetechcom Integrated Services |
136 |
Ms |
Olubunmi |
Afolabi |
Optiva Capital |
137 |
Ms |
Olubunmi |
Abejirin |
Airtel Networks Limited |
138 |
Ms |
Olufunke |
Fagbeja |
NIGCOMSAT LTD |
139 |
Mr |
Olugbenga |
Olabiyi |
Dimension Data Limited |
140 |
Mr |
Olusegun |
Oruame |
Knowhow Media |
141 |
Mr |
Olusegun |
Okuneye |
IpNX Nigeria Limited |
142 |
Mr |
Oluwagbenga |
Adetuyi |
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria |
143 |
Mrs |
Oluwaseun |
Adetuyi |
JOUSHELLA USHERING SERVICES |
144 |
Mr |
Oluwaseun |
Adebayo |
Airtel |
145 |
Mr |
Oluwaseye |
Oyelowo |
MTN Nigeria Communications plc |
146 |
Ms |
Oluwashola |
Ilesanmi |
VDT communication |
147 |
Ms |
Oma |
Joseph |
Estream newtworks |
148 |
Mr |
Omijeh |
Edeoghon |
Digitalweb Application Development Limited |
149 |
Mr. |
Omobayo |
Azeez |
Business Metrics Limited |
150 |
Ms |
Omolola |
Sowemimo |
Fips multilinks limited |
151 |
Mr |
Osabhouhien |
AIKHUEMELO |
Liquid Intelligent Technologies |
152 |
Mr |
Paul |
Adebayo |
VDT Communications Ltd |
153 |
Mr |
Paul |
Ajetunmobi |
MTN |
154 |
Miss |
Peace |
Oluwatimilehin |
Techlife Media and Communication |
155 |
Mr |
Peter |
Awilawi |
Rosco Media |
156 |
Mr |
PETER |
OSUERE |
Cyberspace Limited |
157 |
Ms |
Precious |
E-Matthews |
Pulse Nigeria |
158 |
Mr |
Prince |
Osuagwu |
Vanguard media Ltd |
159 |
Mr |
Raphael |
Iloka |
Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria |
160 |
Mr |
Réal |
KITIEU |
CMI |
161 |
Mr |
Reuben |
Oshomah |
Avanti |
162 |
Mrs |
Roseline |
Baiyekusi |
NetAccess Systems Ltd |
163 |
Ms |
Rosemary |
Igboeche |
Colopuls worldwide service limited |
164 |
Mrs |
Royal |
Ibeh |
Leadership Newspaper |
165 |
Miss |
Ruth |
Moses |
Joshella ushering |
166 |
Mrs. |
Sade |
Dada |
Meta |
167 |
Me |
Sameon |
Adeleye |
Civil servant |
168 |
Mr |
Samson |
Akintaro |
Nairametrics |
169 |
Mr |
Samuel |
Anika |
VDT Communications Ltd |
170 |
Mr |
Samuel |
Ojowa |
VDT Communications limited |
171 |
Miss |
Sandra |
Ikediashi |
eStream networks LTD |
172 |
Mr |
Sanjeev |
Arora |
Spectranet ltd |
173 |
Mr |
Sesan |
Sanni |
Bridgegap consults limited |
174 |
Mr |
Seun |
Folorunso |
Fintech Association of Nigeria |
175 |
Mr |
Seun |
Olorunisola |
IXPN |
176 |
Mr |
Seyi |
Osibanjo |
First City Global Insurance Brokers Limited |
177 |
Ms |
Similoluwa |
Agbejobi |
ATCIS |
178 |
Mr |
Simon |
Oboh |
FiberOne Broadband |
179 |
Mrs |
Stellamaris |
Ashinze |
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) |
180 |
Mr |
Stephen |
Agogo |
Alliance Towers |
181 |
Mr |
Sunday |
Agiriga |
FiberOne Broadband Limited |
182 |
Mr |
Sunday |
Ojeme |
New Telegraph |
183 |
Ms |
Theresa |
Igata |
Political economist mag media |
184 |
Mr |
Tobenna |
Okoli |
Result Science |
185 |
Mr |
Tobiloba |
Gideon |
NCC Telecom Weekly |
186 |
Ms |
Toni |
Lanre |
Bridgegap Consults Limited |
187 |
Mr |
Tony |
Emoekpere |
Anchor Telecoms |
188 |
Engr |
Ubale |
Maska |
NCC |
189 |
Mr |
Uchenna |
Anyanonu |
Liquid Intelligence technologies |
190 |
Mrs |
Udochukwu |
Aniebue |
Du craft Ltd |
191 |
Ms |
Ugochi |
Emmanuel |
TECHlife Media and communications |
192 |
Mr |
Victor |
Okolie |
ATCON |
193 |
Miss |
Victoria |
Ogoke |
Reftop |
194 |
Dr |
Vincent |
Olatunji |
Nigeria Data Protection Commission |
195 |
Mr |
Wale |
Aina |
Landmark Africa Magazine |
196 |
Miss |
Winifred |
Unuafe faith |
Estreams networks |
197 |
Mr |
Yemi |
Oshodi |
ICSL |
198 |
Mr |
Yussuf |
Bello |
Atcis |
199 |
MR |
Zubairu |
Bashiru |
MTN |
4.0 Welcome Address
The President of ATCON, Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, set the stage rolling with his welcome address. He highlighted the focus of the 2023 Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF 2023) as an industry programme that brings together, industry players and regulators to address burning industry issues in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. According to him, ATCON, which is the premier association formed 30 years ago by the first set of technocrats in Nigeria, is committed to promoting an enabling environment for the growth of consumers in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
Part of his speech read: This year’s TERF forum is poised to provide a unique atmosphere for key industry regulators to discuss issues on critical national infrastructure as a strategic tool for attracting rapid investment in the sector. The sector, no doubt, is faced with several challenges, which include universal broadband. The 2023 TERF forum is designed to discuss industry challenges and proffer solutions to identified challenges. The solutions will have positive effects that will further enhance investment in the sector and encourage rapid growth and spread of broadband services across the country.
The ICT sector is a fast-growing sector that has contributed 16 per cent growth to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The industry would have done better if the current challenges bedeviling the sector had been addressed. ATCON intends to use the TERF 2023 platform to bring out the salient and unpronounced challenges of the sector, with a view to addressing them. Emoekpere thanked the sponsors of the TERF 2023 forum for making it a huge success. The sponsors include: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) Internet Xchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Liquid Intelligent Technologies (LIT), Open Access Data Centres, MainOne, VDT, Pan African Towers, Galaxy Backbone, FibreOne Broadband Limited, Rack Centre Limited, among others.
5.0 Goodwill Message
Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, who gave a goodwill message at the forum, thanked ATCON for inviting ALTON to its forum. According to him, ALTON was part of ATCON at the inception, but later felt that the needs of core telecoms operators were not been addressed under ATCON, hence the current members of ALTON decided to detach themselves to form ALTON. Adebayo said ALTON was created as an advocacy group to champion the course of licensed telecoms operators. He commended ATCON for its steadfastness over the years in shaping the ICT industry.
Discussing the challenges of the industry, Adebayo stressed the urgent need for regulatory independence of the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). He equally called for upward review of telecoms tariff, adding that the current tariff is no longer sustainable. Adebayo said the total independence of NCC as a regulator, would enable it implement policies that would further develop the telecoms sector. He therefore suggested that NCC should consider upward review of telecoms tariff, if the sector must survive and continue to provide quality services, while still maintaining its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Adebayo, since the inception of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) in 2001, telecoms tariff has never been increased. Telecoms sector is the only sector where cost of delivering services continues to drop, while cost of goods and services in other sectors of the economy continues to rise. The present cost of delivering telecoms services is no longer sustainable, hence the urgent need for the upward review of telecoms tariff, Adebayo said. He enjoined all industry stakeholders to continue to collaborate in driving the ICT sector.
6.1 First Keynote Presentation (NCC)
The first keynote address, which focused on the theme: ‘Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations’, was presented by the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta.
Highlighting some of the challenges of the telecoms sector, Danbatta said the initial introduction of five per cent excise duty on telecoms operations was an additional levy to the 46 existing multiple taxes imposed on telecoms operations by government at various levels. He however said the suspension of five per cent excise duty was a big relief for the telecoms sector, but called for total removal of the five per cent excise duty on telecoms operations.
Speaking about the success stories around broadband deployment in Nigeria, Danbatta said Nigeria surpassed its 30 per cent broadband penetration target in December 2018 and that the country would also surpass its 50 per cent broadband penetration target by 2023 and the 70 per cent broadband penetration target by 2025, having attained 47.2 per cent broadband penetration as at August 2023. Danbatta said with various ongoing regulatory efforts, “NCC is confident that we are going to reach 50 per cent broadband penetration threshold by the end of 2023 and by 2025, we would have met and possibly surpassed the 70 per cent broadband penetration target, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025.”
Addressing other success stories in the area of telecom contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Danbatta said telecommunications sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP has increased significantly to 16 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, while citing a recent report released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS). According to Danbatta, from a 14.13 per cent contribution in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the hitherto 15 per cent all-time-high record contributed in the second quarter of 2022, the telecommunications sector added 16 per cent to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023 to set a new record. “From about eight per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when I came on board as the EVC of NCC, quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 per cent and this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.
“Through sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission, the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades and this has impacted on all other sectors of the economy,” Danbatta said. Another success area according to Danbatta, is in the area of USSD service debt accumulation, which according to him, agreement has been reached between the telcos and the banks for the payment of the accumulated USSD debt owed telcos by the banks. This, Danbatta said, was achieved through the cooperation of the current Acting Governor of the CBN who acknowledged the useful contributions that the telecoms operators are making in addition to driving financial services in the country.
He stated that while there are barriers to broadband deployment in the country, ranging from the issue of right of way (RoW), fibre cuts, high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations and regulations, among other challenges, the NCC is navigating regulatory complexities, digital divide and literacy, security concerns with firmness and increased collaborations with necessary stakeholders such as ATCON to create measures towards tackling the challenges.
6.2 Second Keynote Presentation (NDPC)
The second keynote paper was presented by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, with the theme: ‘Impact of Data Protection Policy on the Development of the Nigerian Digital Economy.’ According to him, identity and protection are key in the development of any digital economy, especially so that the world is being driven by data. Nigerians releases personal data on a daily basis when processing international passport, National Identity Number (NIN), Drivers’ license, SIM registration, vehicle registration, among others, and the information are valid and must be protected by those who collate and process such data.
According to him, the value of global digital data economy as at 2021 was $14.5 trillion and it is projected to reach N20.8 trillion by 2025. He said data could be looked at from various standpoints such as the variety, veracity, the volume and velocity. He said the knowledge about data would help in making informed decisions at both the individual and government levels, hence the need for proper regulation of data processing and usage in the country, in order to beef up security around data and to protect the privacy of data. He said Nigeria has several initiatives embedded in the 1999 Constitution in protecting data privacy of individuals and organizations, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, but added that only little has been achieved in that direction.
He explained that in order to strengthen data protection in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), issued a regulation document on data protection in 2019 before the Nigeria Data Protection Commission Act (NDPC Act) was drafted and signed into law in June 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The NDPC Act is controlled by four major actors: The Data Subject, which comprises of the individuals and organizations; The Data Processors, Data Controllers who generate and process data on behalf of individuals and organizations and the Data Regulator like the NDPC that regulates data generation, data control and data processing, Olatunji said.
He advised individuals and organizations that are into online business and transactions, to be acquainted with the NDPC Act and comply with the regulations therein to avoid violating the laws, which he said, would attract sanctions, when violated. He spoke on the need to protect individual and organization’s data for the purpose of privacy and security, especially in the era of Big Data Analytics and Blockchain Technology. He said regulation would enhance cross border trade and trust in online transactions. He explained that NDPC is currently training organizations and interest groups on data protection and data protection law compliance, adding that the awareness campaign is ongoing to keep all Nigerians abreast of the NDPC Act and for the need to protect data and improve compliance. He also said NDPC Act would create huge job opportunities for Nigeria in the areas of data generation, control, processing and regulation.
7.0 First Panel Session
The first panel session discussed the theme: ‘Impact of Data Protection Policy on the Development of the Nigerian Digital Economy’. The panel session was chaired by the Regional Business Head and General Counsel, MainOne, an Equinix Company, Mr. Abayomi Adebanjo. Members of the panel include: Managing Director/CEO, Open Access Data Centres, Dr. Ayotunde Coker; Senior Sales Manager, Rack Centre, Mr. Abiodun Sanni; Head, Internet Governance and New Media, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George and Head of Privacy Policy, Africa, Middle East and Turkey at Meta, Dr. Ololade Shyllon, who joined the panel remotely through video conferencing.
One of the panelists, Dr. Ayotunde Coker of Open Access Data Centres, stressed the need for scalability and investment in data infrastructure to support cloud connectivity and the need for more data centres across the country to host data and to promote data laws and data protection.
Abiodun Sanni of Rack Centre also stressed on the need for funding to support scalability of data infrastructure. They also looked at the issue of limited access to connectivity in rural areas and suggested more investment in the area of data centre connectivity that will enhance data generation, processing and control in rural communities. The panelists identified limited contents in data processing and control and advised that Nigerians must start to build contents around data generation and processing. The panelists also discussed data regulation in such a way that it would not stifle technology growth.
Reacting to regulation issues, Dr. Ibiso Kingsley-George of the NCC said NCC was aware of the need not to stifle technology through regulation, hence the commission has put measures in place to address regulation without stifling technology growth.
Dr. Ololade Shyllon of Meta, in her submission on harmonization of data regulation across board, said there was need for Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to harmonize its operations with the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). She said financial value of the global digital economy remained huge that Nigeria can tap into it to boost the Nigerian economy. She stressed the need for data harmonization in order to tap into the huge benefits of the digital data economy. She said in Europe, there is one standard across board that allows for better inter trade relation. She said Africa should have a standard data regulation policy that will harmonize all data policies and regulations across African countries, to enable cross-border trade among African countries. She said any over restrictive data regulation would stifle technology growth, adding that data is a sensitive and important resource that should not be over regulated.
7.1 Second Panel Session
The second panel session discussed the theme: ‘Critical National Infrastructure Policy as a Strategic Tool for Attracting Rapid Investment’. The panel session was chaired by the Managing Director/CEO, Internet Xchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Mr. Muhammed Rudman. Members of the panel include: Managing Director/CEO, WTES Project Limited, Mr. Chidi Princewill Ajuzie; Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Engr. Tukur Mohammed Lawal, who was represented by Olufugba Fadugaba; Principal Manager, Lead and Regulatory Services Department, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mohammed Sule-Yusuf, and Mr. Ejikeme Azubike Onyeaso of Adaba Consult.
Muhammed Rudman gave a breakdown of critical national infrastructure in the country and the existing policies around critical national infrastructure development in the country, before opening the floor for discussion by the panelists. The panelists said Nigeria cannot successfully talk about critical national infrastructure policy as a strategic tool for attracting investment, without first addressing the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in Nigeria. They agreed with the chairman of the panel that there are existing policies around critical national infrastructure that will drive investment, but stressed the need for strict implementation of the existing policies, which they said, was lacking in the Nigerian business environment. They stressed the importance of critical national infrastructure in the telecoms sector, and the need to protect them through strict implementation of existing policies around critical national infrastructure. They said if the infrastructure is well protected, it would attract foreign investments. Aside policy implementation, the panelists also stressed the need for wide consultation with stakeholders on national critical infrastructure.
The panel also discussed the Critical National Asset Infrastructure Projection Policy and Strategy document, which seeks to identity and monitor the country’s critical national assets that are critical for nation survival. The document was developed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), with contributions from industry stakeholders. The panelists argued that if the entire critical national infrastructure is vandalized, it will not only affect the telecoms sector, but also other sectors of the Nigerian economy. They said destruction of critical national infrastructure could be criminal or civil, but stressed that too much attention is paid to the criminal aspect of the destruction while little attention is paid to civil destruction, which include road construction that is not always willful when telecoms infrastructure is destroyed during construction. They said the laws governing critical national infrastructure should cover both the criminal (willful destruction) and civil (non-willful destruction). They said destroyers of critical national infrastructure must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. The panelists were of the view that destruction of critical national infrastructure would lead to revenue loss to the operators and government as well as distortion in the flow quality service. They suggested that surveillance, awareness and enforcement of penalties, will go a long way to address the issue destruction of national critical infrastructure.
7.2 Third Panel Session
The third panel session discussed the theme: ‘Challenges of Universal Broadband And Digital Services in Nigeria-Empowering Industry SMEs’. The panel session was chaired by Group Managing Director, VDT Communications, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi. Members of the panel include: Managing Director/CEO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Mr. Wole Abu; Managing Director/CEO, Information Connectivity Solutions Ltd, Mr. Yemi Oshodi; Managing Director/CEO, Cedarview Communications Ltd, Mr. Wale Owoeye; Managing Director/CEO, NetAccess, Mr. Lakan Balogun; Head, Enterprise Sales, FibreOne Broadband Ltd, Dr. Kenny Joda; Chief Operating Officer, eStream Network Ltd, Mr. Martins Akingba and Head, Digital Skills And Services Unit, Digital Economy Department, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Hauwa Buba-Wakili.
The panel chairman, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi, gave the narration of how Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) could be empowered in the scheme of things, using broadband connectivity, before calling for inputs from the panelists. The panelists identified insufficient internet connectivity in rural communities, where SMEs also resides. They called for more access to connectivity outside of urban cities, to enable SMEs in rural communities have access to internet connectivity. D. Kenny Joda of FibreOne Broadband Ltd, was of the view that local content development be looked into to enable indigenous telecoms service providers offer better services to the communities where they operate. According to him, the high cost of doing business is posing barrier to indigenous telecoms operators like FibreOne, adding that such high operating cost is fast killing indigenous mobile network operators (MNOs), and called for government protection in order to keep SMEs in business.
The panelists however proffered solutions on how best to break some of the identified challenges impeding the growth of SMEs. They called for increased infrastructure sharing among telecoms operators, saying that the current infrastructure sharing ratio is not sufficient to sustain SMEs in the telecoms sector. The panelists suggested that NCC must ensure that the business model of new entrants into the telecoms space must align with the business model of exiting telecoms operators. According to the panelists, SMEs contribute 48 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, and account for 96 per cent of businesses and 84 per cent of employment generation in Nigeria. They therefore argued that taking broadband to that segment of the Nigerian ecosystem, would make a lot of positive impact on SMEs and on the Nigerian economy. They were of the view that government must provide financial services to SMEs and they encouraged SMEs to embrace community collaboration that will help them understand their common challenges and grow faster in business.
The panelists further said with over 17.4 million SMEs in Nigeria, delivering broadband services to them at affordable rate, will boost their businesses and enhance economic growth of the country. They suggested the provision of ubiquitous broadband access to SMEs in Nigeria at no cost to SMEs within specific locations like market places and in public busses where there are clusters of SMEs.
The panelists also suggested the deployment of Aerial Fibre across the country to avoid willful destruction of fibre cables as well as unintended destruction during road construction.
8.0 Tour of Exhibition Stands
Participants, led by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Ubale Maska, and the President of ATCON, Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, had a tour of the exhibition stands, where emerging technology solutions and services were on display. The tour came up after the third panel session.
9.0 Vote of Thanks
The vote of thanks was given at the end of the forum by the Chairman, Organizing Committee of the 2023 Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF 2023), Dr. Mike Ofili. He thanked everyone for their active participation, and promised a bigger and improved forum in 2024.
10. Closing and Lunch
The forum closed by 3pm with a sumptuous lunch for all participants.
Rapporteur: Emma Okonji, ICT Editor, THISDAY Newspapers