NCC’s Maida Urges Nokia to Amplify Investments in Nigeria’s ICT R&D
By Patience Ikpeme
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has fervently appealed to Nokia Networks to escalate its commitment to Research and Development (R&D), aiming to bolster the growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within Nigeria.
This appeal came during a recent visit by a delegation from Nokia Networks of Finland, led by Jarno Syrjala, the Deputy Minister and Under-Secretary of State for International Trade from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The visit sought to explore avenues for fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
Maida underscored the Nigerian government’s earnest interest in leveraging Nokia’s technological expertise through knowledge transfer, specifically aiming to empower Nigerian youth with technical skills.
Expressing the government’s ambitious agenda, Maida highlighted the objective of training three million youths in ICT skills to propel the nation’s digital economy forward. “Our Ministry aims to equip three million youths with the necessary skills, prioritizing their employment prospects,” the EVC stated.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of R&D in fostering a knowledge-based economy and driving innovation, Maida urged Nokia and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to delve into R&D opportunities, fostering deeper local content development within Nigeria.
Commending Maida’s appointment as Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator by President Bola Tinubu, Syrjala outlined the purpose behind their visit: to explore potential collaborations aligning with Nigeria’s digital economy aspirations.
Syrjala recalled Nokia’s ongoing partnerships with Nigerian communication service providers, cable operators, and other entities, highlighting their dedication to delivering robust network systems characterized by high performance, reliability, and security.
Highlighting Nokia’s existing R&D center in Nigeria, Syrjala expressed the company’s intent to amplify investments in this domain, signifying a deeper commitment to fostering technological advancements within the country.
The discussions between the NCC and Nokia Networks signify a crucial step towards leveraging global technological expertise to bolster Nigeria’s ICT landscape, paving the way for sustained innovation and economic growth.
