NCC hosts Third Edition of Emerging Telecoms Technologies Research and ICT Innovation Forum

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to host the third edition of the Emerging Telecoms Technologies Research and ICT Innovation Forum. This edition, organised for the South-East Region will hold at Protea Hotel Owerri, Imo State from the 17th-18th September, 2019.

The Forum’s theme, “Developing Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem: Imperative for Improving Local Content”, is in line with the Commission’s commitment to promoting ICT innovation and investment opportunities and facilitating strategic collaboration and partnership in the telecoms sector in Nigeria.

The Commission using this platform to bring together key players and actors in the Nigerian tech-ecosystem to deliberate and suggest policies, frameworks, and strategies to deepen the deepen NCC's commitment to improving local content in ICT/Telecommunications sector.

The first day of the forum will focus on identifying the gaps in the ICT/Telecoms sector and how to further strengthen the collaboration between stakeholders and the Commission. The second day will be marked by breakout session to identify solutions to the gaps.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta will address the gathering comprising of stakeholders drawn from governmental institutions at all levels, the Nigerian communication ecosystem, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the Technological hubs. Other participants expected at the event are professional associations in the ICT sector, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Consumer Advocacy Groups.

A lead paper presentation on the theme “Developing Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem; Imperative for Improving Local Content” will be delivered by Dr. Chris Uwaje, Africa Chair, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Internet of Things (IEEE IoT) and a paper presentation on “The Imperatives of e-Governance in the Emerging Digital Economy” will be delivered Dr. Fidelis Onah, CEO, Figrom Technologies Ltd.

Panels of eminent persons in technological innovation business have also been constituted and are ready to have robust discussions on “Legislative and Government Support for Enhancing Tech Eco-System in Nigeria” as well as "Innovation Hubs as the Fulcrum for Local Content Development, Digital Inclusion, Employment and National Survivability”. The panels of discussants will be chaired respectively by Tony Ojobo, President African ICT Foundation; and Hanson Johnson, Founder, Nextdeegit Hub.