Abuja — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with Silicon Base Limited and EduTimes Africa, hosted a high-profile Digital Economy Awareness and Sensitisation Forum on Thursday, November 13, 2025, with a unified commitment to accelerate digital access and equity across Nigeria.
Held under the theme, “Leaving No One Behind: Digital Access, Equity and Empowerment”, the forum brought together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and development partners to forge a collaborative roadmap for an inclusive digital future.
NCC Pushes for Equal Opportunity
In his welcoming address, Engr. Yahaya Abubakar, Head, Broadband Development Unit, Digital Economy Department, NCC, set the tone for the event. He stated that the forum’s vision is “to build a Nigeria where digital access translates to real opportunity for every citizen.” “We are here to bridge the gap and ensure that the digital space is a leveled playing field where there will be equal opportunities for rural and urban communities,” Engr. Abubakar emphasised, reaffirming the NCC’s steadfast dedication to reaching unserved and underserved communities.
DBI Highlights Skills and Innovation
The Keynote Address, delivered by Mr Chukwuemeka Nze of the Learning and Development Department at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), exposed the need for continuous skill development. Mr Nze highlighted DBI’s core mission of closing the national critical ICT and telecom skill gap.
He announced significant collaborative efforts, including the establishment of the first Digital Transformation Centre in West Africa with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and an AI Research and Information Access Centre established by the Korean Ministry for ICT at the DBI Abuja campus. Mr Nze also pointed to DBI’s successful IT Bridge Academy partnership with Sightsavers, which has achieved a 75% pass rate in certification exams for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Innovation Showcase and FABLAB Thrill Attendees
A key highlight of the forum was the official exhibition tour. Participants were thrilled by the showcase of innovations from students, inventors and FinTechs, demonstrating cutting-edge technological solutions designed to solve local challenges. Furthermore, attendees had the opportunity to tour the NCC FABLAB (Fabrication Laboratory), an experience that proved the Commission’s commitment to nurturing local talent and providing hands-on resources for digital prototyping and manufacturing. The enthusiastic reception to both the exhibits and the FABLAB tour affirmed the strong appetite for applied technology in Nigeria.
Panel I: Protecting Data and Consumers Online
The first panel session, moderated by Dr Frank Ifeanyi Ogochukwu, which focused on cybersecurity and responsible digital citizenship, addressed the critical need for online safety.
Mr Olorunisomo Ishola from the Nigerian Data Protection Commission highlighted that data is the key target for cybercriminals and emphasised the Nigerian Data
Protection Act (June 2023). He stressed that the NDPC is actively rolling out frameworks to guide data controllers and processors, ensuring ‘Privacy by Default’ and strict adherence to the law.
Ms Elizabeth Adunbi of the SafeNet Africa Initiative described efforts to train young people on responsible online behaviour, including zero-trust principles and scam avoidance.
Engr Babagana Digima noted that businesses bear a major responsibility for online safety. He announced that the Cyber Residency Framework for the Communications Industry will take full effect from January 2026, looking holistically at cybersecurity across the sector.
Dr. Moses stressed that awareness creation is pivotal and detailed the NCC Consumer Bureau’s mandate to formulate proactive and reactive policies to mitigate negative trends and protect consumers.
Panel II: The Cost and Challenge of Connectivity
Panel Session II featured a dynamic discussion on the financial and logistical hurdles of extending connectivity to the last mile, following touching perspectives from students of GSS Garki, Government Science Secondary School Piyakasa, Maitama, and Lelab Blossom Schools.
Oladejo Olawumi, Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions, NITDA, revealed plans to deploy 90,000 km of fibre optics (World Bank funded) and 4,000 technology towers nationwide, alongside providing digital tools to unserved schools.
Mr Yomi Arowosafe, USPF Secretary, stated that broadband penetration stood at 48% as of August and explained the use of cluster maps to guide infrastructure deployment. He noted that terrain and insecurity remain significant barriers.
Dr. Tola Yusuf of Infratel Nigeria stressed the high cost of connectivity, with 70% of equipment sourced offshore, estimating the average cost of establishing connectivity in a community to be between $40,000 and $70,000.
Dumebi Chukwuka emphasised the vital need for public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure goals.
Workshops and Closing
The afternoon sessions combined practical breakout workshops—including those focused on PWDs, women, and youth innovators—with a lively Panel Session III: Inclusive Innovation. The integration of students from Granny Murray Schools and GSS Garki into the innovation panel provided valuable, ground-up perspectives on bridging the digital divide.
Presentations from Nile University and the Abuja Enterprise Agency highlighted avenues for academic and entrepreneurial support.
The forum concluded with the Silicon Base team appreciating the NCC and key stakeholders for their collaborative efforts.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
