Twenty-five years after GSM services debuted Nigeria which led to a major transformation of the communications sector, the regulatory authority, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has demanded a wider broadband access, affordable connectivity and greater digital inclusion to sustain the country’s digital transformation.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, who stated the new direction of the NCC at the 12th edition of the eWorld Forum held in Lagos with the theme, “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On,” noted that the arrival of GSM essentially changed communication in Nigeria as against what obtained in the past during which telephone access were constrained by limited lines and high costs.
Maida, who was represented by Mojisola Saraki, stated that the expansion of mobile networks transformed telecommunications from a service largely associated with the privileged into an everyday tool used by millions of Nigerians.
The NCC EVC said that the revolution has gone beyond voice calls, as SMS, mobile internet and smartphones have created new channels for accessing information and digital services, adding that telecommunications now serve as a major foundation for banking, commerce, education, entertainment, entrepreneurship and other economic activities.
He also said that GSM is also supporting a growing ecosystem of telecom operators, infrastructure companies, fintech firms, technology businesses, software developers and digital platforms.
Maida therefore said that the 25th anniversary should not only be about celebrating past achievements, but about addressing the challenges that will shape the sector’s future.
The NCC chief executive further said that continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure, wider broadband access, improved quality of service, affordability, cybersecurity and digital inclusion would form the Commission’s priorities for the next phase.
Maida also highlighted 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things as emerging technologies capable of further transforming Nigeria’s digital economy.
The NCC boss said that the focus should increasingly shift from simply connecting Nigerians to ensuring that connectivity provides access to opportunities in education, employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic participation.
The eWorld Forum which brought together stakeholders to reflect on the impact of GSM on Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and examine emerging opportunities and challenges in the next phase of the digital economy, also featured the launch of Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, authored by ICT journalist Aaron Ukodie. The book documented the development of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry and the contributions of pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions and other stakeholders.
Speaking during a panel session, an ICT expert, Chris Uwaje said the GSM revolution must also be viewed from the perspective of the human beings who create and consume digital content.
Uwaje emphasized the need to develop innovative and resilient minds capable of communicating truthful and authentic information, adding that telecommunications had given Nigerians a voice and helped democratised human interaction.
He however, said the development of digital infrastructure must be accompanied by investment in human capacity.
Speaking in turn, Olaitan Ogunbiyi, Director of Operations at IHS, said the widespread adoption of GSM had revolutionised virtually every sector of the economy.
Ogunbiyi identified healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and technology among sectors that have benefited from the evolution of telecommunications, noting that Nigeria started with 2G licences, before the introduction of 3G around 2006, which significantly improved internet speeds.
Ogunbiyi further said that the sector subsequently progressed into the 4G era around 2016, alongside the growing deployment of fibre-optic infrastructure, adding that technology continues to evolve, with major changes occurring roughly every eight to 10 years.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Aaron Ukodie, Publisher of eWorldnews and Convener of the eWorld Forum, said the initiative has evolved into a platform for celebrating innovation, technology, leadership and Nigeria’s transformation.
He noted that the journey began in 2009 at Eko Hotel, Lagos, when he hosted alumni of the University of Ife who had risen to become chief executives and leaders in Nigeria’s ICT industry.
Ukodie described the 25th anniversary celebration of GSM as an opportunity to reflect on a revolution that transformed the way Nigerians communicate, conduct business and interact socially.
He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its continued support and responsiveness to the initiative.
Stakeholders at the forum opined that Nigeria’s next digital chapter will require deeper connectivity, wider access and stronger efforts to ensure that technological advancement translates into meaningful opportunities for citizens.
