Emphasizing the importance of nurturing a pool of skilled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated the need to cultivate local talents.
Speaking at the 2nd West Africa Communications Infrastructure Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, underlined the essential role of developing indigenous talent to effectively meet the evolving requirements of the technology industry.
During the event, Maida, represented by Victor Adoga, Head of Next Generation Technology and Standards at NCC, emphasized the significance of local expertise in adapting to emerging technological paradigms.
Highlighting the transformative impact of 5G networks on communication infrastructure, the EVC underscored the potential of 5G to provide faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, facilitating the adoption of innovative applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality.
Envisioning the future beyond 5G, Maida discussed the possibilities of 6G networks integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into managing communication activities and services, necessitating substantial investments in hardware and distribution.
With the proliferation of IoT, where everyday objects connect to the internet to collect and share data, Maida projected that the advent of 6G would revolutionize industries, ranging from agriculture to healthcare, improving efficiency and well-being.
He stressed the crucial role of fiber optic networks in establishing a robust digital economy, asserting that expanding fiber optic infrastructure is vital to enhancing internet coverage and quality in Nigeria.
Addressing data security concerns, Maida advocated for strengthening information security measures and setting up local institutions to protect user trust and comply with global data protection regulations.
Furthermore, he proposed collaborative initiatives between the government, industry, and universities to foster innovation and development, emphasizing the importance of partnerships to drive progress in the telecommunications sector.
Underscoring the significance of sustainable infrastructure, Maida recommended integrating AI and machine learning to optimize network management, predict maintenance needs, and enhance customer service through automation and advanced analytics.
He also highlighted the necessity of developing smart infrastructure to support various smart city applications and emphasized the importance of partnerships in reducing costs and improving service delivery.
To address industry challenges including uneven service distribution, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory uncertainties, Maida emphasized the need for innovative approaches to build resilient infrastructure and navigate the evolving digital landscape effectively.