The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently highlighted the significant potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to revolutionize various industries.
Speaking at the 2023 ICTEL Expo organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, discussed the transformative impact of these technologies.
Prof. Danbatta emphasized that AI and ML are empowering industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and transportation. With AI-powered algorithms, businesses can make more accurate predictions, enhance decision-making processes, and automate repetitive tasks. By analyzing vast amounts of data, companies can gain valuable insights and optimize their operations to deliver better products and services.
Another tech disruption highlighted by Prof. Danbatta is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is transforming how people interact with their surroundings. Industries like agriculture, energy, and logistics are leveraging IoT to optimize resource usage, monitor equipment maintenance, and improve overall efficiency. IoT-enabled sensors and smart devices provide real-time data, enabling informed decision-making and process optimization.
Blockchain technology emerged as a transformative force, particularly in finance and supply chain management. The decentralized and immutable ledgers created by blockchain ensure transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions. It has the potential to streamline processes, reduce costs, and eliminate intermediaries, fostering greater trust and collaboration between business partners.
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5G and Convergence of Technologies: Opening New Possibilities
The fifth-generation network, 5G, is enabling new possibilities in areas such as autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and telemedicine. Additionally, the convergence of technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is disrupting multiple industries, including entertainment, education, and retail. VR and AR technologies offer immersive and interactive experiences, transforming how people learn, shop, and entertain themselves.
Prof. Danbatta emphasized the importance of embracing innovation and adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape. Companies that are agile and willing to experiment with emerging technologies gain a competitive advantage in their respective industries. The NCC’s vision is rooted in fostering innovation and embracing disruptions to drive sustainable growth, economic diversification, and enhanced living standards for all Nigerians.
Aspire 2024: NCC’s Strategic Management Plan
The commission’s strategic management plan, Aspire 2024 (2020 – 2024), focuses on connectivity and broadband access as a core element. Recognizing that a robust telecommunications infrastructure is vital for socio-economic development, the NCC aims to expand network coverage and promote the deployment of broadband infrastructure across Nigeria. As of May 2023, there were 227,179,946 telecom subscriptions with a teledensity of 119 per cent, and the telecom industry contributed 14.13 per cent to the GDP in the first quarter of 2023.
Consumer Protection, Privacy, and Spectrum Management
The NCC is committed to consumer protection and privacy. Through various initiatives, the commission aims to enforce standards, improve service delivery, provide avenues for redress, and promote data privacy and cybersecurity. Spectrum management is also crucial in optimizing connectivity and supporting emerging technologies. The NCC is dedicated to efficiently managing limited radio frequency resources to unlock the transformative potential of technologies like 5G and enable new services and applications. As of May 2023, broadband subscriptions reached 92,561,842, with a penetration rate of 48.49 per cent.
As the 2023 ICTEL Expo showcased, emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and 5G have the power to reshape industries and bring about substantial improvements in various sectors.
The NCC’s strategic vision plan, Aspire 2024, focuses on expanding connectivity and broadband access, fostering innovation, and embracing disruptions to drive Nigeria’s sustainable growth and economic diversification. By recognizing the transformative potential of these technologies and fostering an innovative environment, Nigeria can position itself at the forefront of the digital revolution.