IHS Nigeria CEO, Mohamad Darwish has advocated for a private-public partnership approach in helping Nigeria meet its demand for broadband connectivity.
Darwish made this known at the conference themed Power and Telecommunications synergy:” Building strategic alliances for broadband penetration and inclusive prosperity”, held yesterday in Lagos.
He said that collaborative efforts should be based on driving forward innovative solutions to achieve broadband expansion.
“There is need for both private and public sectors to collaborate on driving forward innovative solutions that will enable Nigeria to meet its growing demand for broadband connectivity.
“As of March, according to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), broadband penetration in Nigeria was pegged at 33% and an increase to the 70% target will require everyone’s efforts.
“This endeavour is too complex to be addressed solely by governments, operators or society. It needs to be a shared goal. We must work together to achieve connectivity worldwide,” he said.
Darwish noted that the conference was strategically designed to provide insightful and constructive solutions to help achieve the nation’s vision for broadband growth and inclusive prosperity.
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Mohamad emphasized that the telecommunications sector is of ultimate importance to the economic growth of Nigeria, adding that the company is excited to be part of those broader solutions emerging from the power and telecommunications sector to address the country’s major challenges and those of West Africa at large.
While commenting on the importance of the conference, The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Must Dambatta also said that stakeholders should seek collective ways of improving the telecoms sector.
Dambatta lauded the conference for its relevance to the growth of the industry and the overall economy.
“Prior to 2001, when Nigeria’s telecommunication sector was deregulated, Nigeria had only approximately 700,000 lines and was unable to meet the growing demand for telecommunication services.
“Since then, the telecoms industry has witnessed significant growth and progress; but it is important that we collectively seek ways to further improve the telecoms sector to drive opportunities and investment.
“We are thrilled to have been a part of the conference. Platforms like this are essential to both the growth of the industry and the overall economy,” Dambatta said.
Speaking also, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor James Momoh noted that power and telecommunications sectors are key and great contributor to the diversification of the economy.
James described the conference as an enlightenment platform which provides an in-depth understanding of the industries.
“The Power and telecommunications sectors are key economic pillars in Nigeria. Paying attention to their growth and development will only further the diversification of our economy.
“The Conference was enlightening in terms of the various ways in which we can expand within and outside of our industry.
“It addressed key concerns that will ultimately lead to a better understanding of both industries. It provided insight through engaging sessions and other experts, which I believe will have significant impact in re near future,” James said.
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