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At the 35th annual conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) in Abidjan, CĂ´te d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s digital social investments took center stage. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showcased a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity across the nation. These efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for social and economic development, positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
The recent event held from May 13th to 17th, 2024, participants gained valuable insights into Nigeria’s advancements in digital social investments and infrastructure expansion. This presentation was delivered by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, the Head of Media Management Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Highlighting the regulatory efficiency driving these developments, Dr. Ibietan’s address was both enlightening and impactful. Notably, the event concluded with Dr. Ibietan being elected as the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), marking a significant milestone in his career and underscoring the importance of Nigeria’s digital progress on a continental stage.
In his presentation, “Digital Inclusion as Arbiter of Accessible PR: A Case of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Ibietan showcased an impressive array of 36 initiatives spearheaded by the Commission. These initiatives, extending beyond mere regulatory responsibilities, aim to drive infrastructure expansion, bolster SMEs, empower educational institutions, foster innovation, and enhance the digital skills of Nigerian youth. Through these efforts, the Commission is not only shaping the digital landscape but also promoting widespread digital inclusion across the nation.
Several initiatives are driving digital advancement and inclusivity across various sectors. The Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI) aims to elevate technological proficiency in higher education. The Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (CIEP) fosters creativity and business acumen among students. The e-PAD project extends its reach to 232 institutions, providing essential digital tools and resources. Meanwhile, the Digital Appreciation Project (DAP) enriches 247 secondary schools with modern tech education.
Teachers are not left behind, benefiting from the Digital Literacy Training (DLT) to enhance their instructional skills. The Digital Integration Programme (DIP) supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in embracing technology for growth. Finally, the E-Accessibility programme is dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities through tailored digital solutions. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive approach to building a digitally savvy and inclusive society.
Nigeria is making strides in digital empowerment with several key initiatives. The Nigerian Girls Can Code Competition encourages young women to develop coding skills, while the Build A-Thon allows youths to pitch innovative ideas and refine their abilities. The Tertiary Institutions Digital Centre (TIDC) project aims to equip 250 higher education institutions with advanced digital resources. Additionally, 2,291 Digital Nigeria Centers (DNC) provide both online and offline educational materials across the nation. The Local Application and Content Deployment program fosters local tech innovation, and the Rural Broadband Initiative is expanding internet access with up to 72 new projects in underserved areas. These efforts collectively drive Nigeria towards a more digitally inclusive future.
He highlighted that the NCC, through its special purpose vehicle, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), has initiated numerous digital infrastructure projects, programs, and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders.
“These interventions have caused a shift in digital literacy, fundamentally shrank the digital divide and opened the floodgates of participation in political, economic and social processes, and enabled accessible digital public relations in Nigeria,” he said.
At the APRA Conference themed “One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide,” over 20 papers were presented, but only one, by Ibietan, spotlighted digital infrastructure investments by an African nation. Despite many papers underscoring the importance of robust broadband infrastructure for fostering digital culture in Africa, Ibietan’s presentation stood out by detailing specific efforts and achievements.
Ibietan passionately argued that true digital inclusion hinges on enabling individuals and communities to access and engage with the digital world. He highlighted the critical role of ICTs, including the internet, computers, and mobile devices, in empowering people to fully participate in the digital society
In his submission, he painted a vivid picture of digital inclusion, depicting it as more than mere access to technology. Rather, he portrayed it as a comprehensive ecosystem, encompassing not just the tools themselves but also the essential skills, knowledge, and resources required to wield them effectively. It was a narrative of empowerment, highlighting the transformative potential of bridging the digital divide
In his impassioned address, he underscored the pivotal importance of digital inclusion for burgeoning economies striving for remarkable and quantifiable growth.
He said: “This is because digital inclusion promotes social and economic opportunities, enhances civic engagement and participation, supports education and lifelong learning, fosters digital literacy and skills development, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and helps to bridge the digital divide and reduce inequalities.”
He referenced that the COVID-19 pandemic and its fallouts proved the significance of digital infrastructure to the economy.
Luckily, he said: “Nigeria’s investment in broadband infrastructure partly explained why the nation was able to cope with the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus because availability of digital infrastructure helped individuals, businesses and the government to migrate their social and economic activities to digital platforms in order to mitigate the devastating effect of the Pandemic.”
In his wisdom, he advocated for a symphony of communication among all involved parties, orchestrating efficiency in managing and reaping the rewards of social investments and infrastructural endeavors. Each stakeholder became a note in the grand composition of progress, ensuring harmony in the fruition of shared benefits.
