The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has strengthened its drive to advance Nigeria’s digital economy through a strategic partnership with the Enugu State Government focused on innovation, digital skills development and human capital growth.
The partnership formalises a 15-year operational lease of the NCC Digital Industrial Park and NCC Learning Centre in Enugu to the state government, with the facilities expected to serve as platforms for developing digital skills, supporting startups and creating technology-driven employment opportunities.
According to an official statement signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, announced the partnership at the handover ceremony in Enugu.
Maida said the facilities were established to develop the people, ideas and enterprises required to power Nigeria’s digital future, expressing confidence in the Enugu State Government’s capacity to activate them for productive use.
“These facilities were conceived as platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development. They were designed to deepen digital skills, support startups, attract investment, create jobs and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for business process outsourcing, knowledge process outsourcing and other technology-enabled services,” Maida said.
The NCC chief executive stressed that the initiative was not simply about transferring physical infrastructure but about building capacity, expanding opportunities and strengthening enterprise within the digital economy.
“Buildings alone do not create innovation. People do. Ideas do. Entrepreneurs do. And partnerships bring all these elements together,” he said.
He noted that the impact of the facilities would ultimately be measured by their contribution to skills development, idea generation, business creation and job opportunities rather than by the quality of the buildings or equipment.
Maida said the NCC’s decision to partner with the Enugu State Government was influenced by the state administration’s investments in education, infrastructure, innovation and digital capacity.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would support Enugu’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and technology-enabled enterprises.
“Our expectation is that this partnership will support Enugu’s ambition to become a leading destination for digital services, artificial intelligence, startup incubation, outsourcing, research and technology-enabled enterprise,” he said.
The NCC EVC linked the initiative to Nigeria’s broader digital economy agenda, particularly in the areas of digital infrastructure, digital literacy, innovation and indigenous content development.
He said the partnership also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the national ambition to build a $1 trillion economy driven by productivity, innovation and private sector growth.
Maida commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for what he described as purposeful leadership and a deliberate development agenda, particularly in infrastructure, education and skills development.
He specifically cited the state government’s renewed plan to recruit about 6,500 teachers under the Smart Green Schools initiative, stressing that investment in human capital was essential to achieving sustainable development.
“No investment delivers more enduring returns than investment in people,” he said.
According to Maida, infrastructure such as roads, buildings, broadband networks and technology platforms can only become productive when people possess the knowledge and skills to utilise them effectively.
He noted that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, automation and other digital technologies was transforming industries, employment and public service delivery, making digital skills increasingly critical.
The NCC boss said access to technology must therefore be matched by the capacity to use it productively, adding that technology-enabled schools, digital learning facilities, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories demonstrated the need for education to evolve alongside technological advancement.
He further called for stronger collaboration among the Federal and state governments, the private sector, academia and development partners to build a sustainable and inclusive digital economy.
“No single institution can build Nigeria’s digital future alone. The Federal Government, state governments, the private sector, academia and development partners all have complementary roles to play,” Maida said.
The NCC Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre are expected to provide opportunities for young people to acquire relevant digital skills, enable entrepreneurs to transform ideas into viable businesses and connect local enterprises with opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.
Maida thanked the Enugu State Government for embracing the partnership and reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to initiatives that expand digital opportunities, strengthen human capital and ensure inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
