2022 NRI ranking: NCC urges stakeholders to prioritise network readiness to accelerate digital transformation

…Hosts forum to discuss ways to improve ranking

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged stakeholders in the telecommunications industry to prioritise network readiness to the digital transformation of the country.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta delivering a welcome address at the “Emerging Technology Forum for the telecommunications Industry” hosted by the Commission noted that, “Nigeria is a telecommunications powerhouse, with 82 per cent of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29 per cent of the continent’s internet consumption.”

Speaking further, the EVC said Nigeria ranks eleventh globally in terms of internet penetration and seventh in terms of mobile phone usage.

He however lamented that despite the remarkable metrics, “the fact that our Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking for 2022 is 109th out of 131 countries is both humbling and challenging.”

The NRI is a guiding metric that measures the role and impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It explores the performances of 131 economies in four key categories: technology (infrastructure), governance, people, and impact.

The EVC speaking to stakeholders present at the form urged them as agents of social and economic transformation to prioritize network readiness noting that it is not only a strategic necessity but a mandate.

Delivering remarks at the forum held last week, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services for the NCC, Engr. Ubale A. Maska highlighted the primary objective of the forum as a platform to provide standard roadmaps and best practices which can be used to measure the impact of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) on the society and promote the adoption of new technologies.

“We will review the latest findings of Nigeria’s NRI, explore various barriers and key drivers to the implementation of innovative technologies, and ultimately create actionable solutions to help move the industry forward,” Engr. Maska noted.