Abuja, Dec. 2, 2023 – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to turn the Nigerian economy around through small and medium enterprises, start-ups and other technological innovations.
Ubale Maska, the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) in NCC, made the pledge on Thursday at the opening of the National SMEs/Entrepreneurship Forum for Start-ups in Emerging Technologies organised by the NCC in Abuja.
He said the viability of small and medium enterprises and start-ups was key to creating wealth, employment and economic prosperity.
Maska said small businesses would move the economy forward by shaping the trajectory of the nation’s future.
Maska, who was represented by Dr Chidi Diugwu, the Head of New Media and Information Security, said the National SMEs/Entrepreneurship programme represented a platform for startups to translate their innovative concepts into tangible reality.
“It also presents an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs to acquire knowledge, expand their enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our nation.
“We find ourselves on the cusp of a new era, one in which SMEs and Start-ups assume a leading role in propelling our economy forward, generating employment opportunity, and shaping the trajectory of our collective future.
“Let’s seize the opportune moment to nurture our spirits and collaboratively construct a prosperous future for our nation.”
Bernard Ewah, the Director of eGovernance Development at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said SMEs and start-ups in Nigeria could not afford to be left behind in the competitive environment as they were needed to create employment opportunities, generate wealth, and help transform the economy to be globally competitive.
In a keynote address at the forum, Ewah said there was the need for Nigerians to devise best strategies for small and medium enterprise as well as start-ups to stay afloat using technology.
“Let us first navigate the current technological advancements transforming our industry. Technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI are not just reshaping global telecommunications, but also presenting new paradigms in how we approach connectivity and data exchange.
“These innovations hold the key to unprecedented opportunities in sectors like healthcare, education, and commerce. However, with great potential comes great challenges.
“SMEs and startups often grapple with resource limitations, regulatory hurdles, and the daunting task of keeping pace with technological advancements.
“But within these challenges lie immense opportunities – the chance to pioneer solutions tailored to our unique market, the potential to tap into new consumer segments, and the opportunity to set a global benchmark in telecom innovation.” (GBN)
