Salient points are raised at industry during panel sessions. Often, these key takeaways are left unreported.
The Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) 2023 put together by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, involved discussions which revolved around the central theme: “Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations.”
In particular, the Panel Session, chaired by Mr. Abayomi Adebanjo, Regional Business Head & General Counsel at MainOne., delved into the “Impact of Data Protection Policy on the Development of the Nigerian Digital Economy.”
Key industry leaders and experts lent their voices to this important conversation. The panelists include Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Managing Director/CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC); Prof Muhammad Abubakar, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited; Mr Abiodun Sanni, Senior Sales Manager at Rack-Centre Limited; and Dr. Ololade Shyllon, Head of Privacy Policy for Africa, Middle East & Turkey at Meta.
One recurring point in the discussion was the need for greater local involvement and investment in the Nigerian digital economy.
Panelists at TERF 2023 stressed the importance of reducing dependence on foreign investments and encouraging local businesses, making it clear that the support of Nigerian banks would be pivotal in achieving this goal.
The conversation also highlighted the crucial role of expanding broadband access. Panelists acknowledged that improving connectivity to remote areas would not only ensure inclusivity in the digital economy but also open doors for significant economic growth.
Another key point that emerged was the promotion of local content. The panelists recognized the immense potential for Nigeria to compete on the global stage by developing and exporting high-quality content in various forms, from entertainment to digital services.
Regulatory challenges were at the forefront of the discussion, with the acknowledgement of complexities involving overlapping jurisdictions among regulatory agencies. Finding a balance between data protection and innovation was a central concern, especially in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The importance of safeguarding data while ensuring it does not hinder the free flow of digital information across borders was noted, while the economic implications of data sovereignty and the need for a nuanced approach was emphasized.
Furthermore, there was a call for collaboration among African regulatory bodies. Panelists emphasized the necessity of harmonizing policies and regulations to create a unified approach to data protection and digital regulation across the continent.
The panel session concluded by placing emphasis on the urgency of local participation, broadband expansion, and the promotion of local content. Balancing data protection with innovation remains a challenge, but the consensus among experts was the need for a collaborative and flexible approach to address these issues while fostering economic growth in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Critical National Infrastructure Policy as a Strategic Tool for attracting Rapid investment
The second panel discussion at the TERF 2023 chaired by Mr. Muhammed Rudman, MD/CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), also had prominent figures from the telecommunications and technology sectors in Nigeria lending their voices to policies around critical national infrastructure.
They included: Mr. Karl Olutokun Toriola, Managing Director/CEO of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Princewill Ajuzie, Managing Director/CEO of WTES Projects Limited, Mr. Carl Cruz, Managing Director/CEO of Airtel Network Limited, Engr. Tukur Mohammed Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of NIGCOMSAT, Mr. Ejikeme Azubike Onyeaso of Adaba Consult, and Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie, Senior Manager of Public Affairs Africa and ATC IHS representative.
During the discussion, the panelists addressed the importance of policies related to the protection of critical national information assets and infrastructure.
They acknowledged that various policies, such as the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2019 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, have emphasized the protection of critical national assets, especially in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
One of the key questions raised during the session was whether Nigeria has sufficient and effective policies in place to protect critical national information assets and whether these policies are conducive to attracting investments.
The panelists stressed that while policies do exist, the critical concern lies in their effective enforcement.
They highlighted the need for clear rewards and sanctions associated with these policies to ensure compliance.
The discussion also touched on the importance of setting clear objectives when developing policies, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors in policy formulation.
The TERF 2023 panelists also underlined that widespread consultation and ownership by stakeholders are crucial for policy effectiveness and successful implementation.
Again, the panel delved into the human element of protecting critical infrastructure. They discussed the challenges related to the availability of skilled ICT personnel in Nigeria and emphasized the need to engage and motivate skilled professionals to work within the country. Government initiatives were mentioned to improve digital skills and create a conducive environment for skilled individuals to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector.
The discussion concluded by addressing the importance of education, awareness, and enforcement in safeguarding critical national infrastructure. Panelists highlighted the significance of educating the public and raising awareness about the consequences of vandalizing or damaging infrastructure. They also emphasized the role of surveillance and the need for penalties for those who violate policies.
In sum, the panel session shed light on the complexities of protecting critical national information assets in Nigeria and the multi-faceted approach required to address these challenges effectively. It emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and the role of policies, education, and enforcement in achieving this goal.
