The
Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has entered
into a partnership with the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) to drive
growth and innovation in Nigeria's telecommunications sector. The Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) signed underscores a shared commitment to enhancing
broadband connectivity across the nation.
One
of the key highlights of this partnership is WIOCC's pledge to make substantial
investments in delivering last-mile connectivity to Nigerian homes and
businesses. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that
underserved and remote areas gain access to reliable and affordable internet
services. By focusing on last-mile connectivity, the collaboration seeks to
provide the foundation for increased productivity, innovation, and economic
opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Speaking
at the signing ceremony, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and
Digital Economy, Dr. BosunTijani emphasized the transformative potential of
this partnership. “This collaboration is about prosperity because by
meaningfully connecting our people, we give them a platform to increase
productivity. Broadband connectivity is the backbone of any thriving digital
economy, and we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for
private sector players to thrive and contribute to our vision of a connected
Nigeria,” he stated.
The
Nigerian government recognizes the critical role of the private sector in
achieving sustainable economic growth and development. This MOU with WIOCC is a
testament to the government’s openness to collaborations that advance national
digital transformation goals. The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s National
Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which seeks to enhance digital
infrastructure, improve broadband penetration, and drive innovation across
various sectors.
WIOCC,
a leading provider of integrated wholesale connectivity solutions, brings
extensive expertise in delivering high-capacity networks and scalable
solutions. By leveraging its technical capabilities and global reach, WIOCC is
set to contribute significantly to Nigeria's efforts to improve broadband
quality and accessibility.
The
MOU also opens the door for further engagement with stakeholders in the
telecommunications and technology sectors, as Nigeria continues to position
itself as a hub for digital innovation in Africa.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye