Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to continually drive initiatives that will accelerate broadband deployment to increase penetration.
It also declared such a commitment will make internet connection more readily available to telecom consumers.
Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, stated this at the 10th edition of Business 360 Clinics organised by Abuja Enterprises Agency (AEA) in Abuja.
He spoke on the theme of the event, “Technology Utilisation and Innovation: Effects on SME Profitability and Productivity” in the context of the regulatory activities of the Commission.
The EVC, represented by Assistant Director, Digital Economy, Paul Okeke, said NCC has been at the heart of providing the digital drive for transforming businesses and sustaining socio-economic activities in Nigeria.
As contained in a press release by the NCC Director, Public Affairs, Rueben Muoka, the panel session was titled “Technology Adoption: A must for MSMEs Sustainability and Competitiveness (Challenges and Ease of Use).”
Okeke highlighted the Commission’s commitment towards technological and digital transformation in a manner that makes entrepreneurship seamless.
Addressing the issue of challenges on digital literacy, Okeke informed the audience that the Commission has strategic partnerships with various organisations.
He said included in the partnerships was Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) which birthed initiatives such as Digital Economy Academy where business owners learn about security risks and online threats in a 12-course programme for three months.
Okeke charged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to harness the benefits of these initiatives to sustain their businesses.
“As a regulator of telecommunication, the Commission is in active collaboration with other agencies in the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
“[This is] as well as with other public sector institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to ensure that policies become effective in curtailing cyber-attacks and threats on businesses,” Okeke stated.
The participants and business owners seized the opportunity of the platform to make complaints and resolve their business-related challenges.
They as well adopted technology for their various businesses during the interactive session.
Representatives of relevant agencies at the event also seized the opportunity to attend to enquiries from participants who are running businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.