Below are 21 Key Strides amongst others:

1. Infrastructure Enhancement via Full Implementation of Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy 

Governor Soludo’s bold move to strengthen infrastructure has led to the full implementation of the Zero Right of Way (RoW) policy.

This has motivated InfraCos to deepen tech infrastructure in the state by laying of fibre ducts, resulting in improved quality of service across the State.

Anambra remains one of the few states currently implementing the Zero ROW policy as a first step towards fully deepening broadband penetration.

2. Collaboration and Interconnectivity

The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the State are currently in partnership with  the ICT Agency towards the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point in the State.

This initiative focuses on improving interconnectivity and reducing the cost of Internet access and deepening penetration. ISPs in Anambra are excited about the possibilities.

3. Public Wi-Fi Initiative

A Pilot Phase of the Public Wi-Fi (Solution Wi-Fi) has been activated at Aroma Junction, Book foundation and Unizik Gate, Ifite Awka.

This marks a significant stride and efforts are ongoing to extend this Public Wi-Fi to various public spaces across the State in line with the People’s Manifesto.

4. E-Government Infrastructure

The Agency, through its baseline Study of E-government Infrastructure in Anambra State has set the stage for a digital revolution in the Civil Service.

This initiative resulted in Governor Soludo’s approval of the procurement and distribution of the first batch of 200 state-of-the-art PCs and laptops to various MDAs, advancing the objectives of digitization and professionalism across the public sector. 2024 will witness the distribution of more digital tools to more civil and public servants in line with Mr Governor’s promise of modernizing the State’s workforce.

5. Digitized State’s Executive Council Processes

Successful digitization of the State’s Executive Council processes by transforming documents and presentations from manual to digital format, eliminating the need for costly printing. This has helped to make the process more efficient, cost effective, and sustainable.

6. Communication Enhancement

Deployment of the Unified Messaging Service (UMS) for enhanced communication and collaboration among all MDAs is a significant milestone. Civil servants have been assigned @anambrastate.gov.ng email addresses for seamless communication and collaboration within the public sector.

7. Land Administration Revolution

The Ministry of Lands with support from the ICT Agency has deployed its Centralized e-GIS System with complete ICT Infrastructure that is bound to revolutionize Land Administration in the State.

8. Project Management Dashboard

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI), with the State’s Strategy, Execution, and Evaluation (SEE) Office and the ICT Agency have fostered a partnership which has brought about the successful integration of technology into project management.

This has given rise to a Digital Delivery Dashboard, a real-time project monitoring tool to facilitate project tracking from inception to completion.

9. Policy Development

As a roadmap to achieving Prof. Chukuwma Soludo (Mr. Governor’s) vision of “Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere”, the ICT Agency has come up with a comprehensive draft ICT Policy document ; This policy was developed in collaboration and ensures comprehensive input which has resulted in a holistic document that represents the views of all relevant parties.

10. Blockchain Strategy

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy Blockchain Strategy has been adopted by the ICT Agency to promote and enhance the blockchain ecosystem activities in the State.

11. Identity Management Initiative

The ICT Agency in partnership with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, initiated an internship program that has resulted in the successful launch of the ANSG-EID Card scheme for civil servants and other government employees in June 2023.

12. Domain Adoption and Transition/Digital/Internet Assets Standardization

A pioneering move in the State’s E-governance efforts is the successful transition to the Federal Government-approved .ng second-level domain.

This initiative has paved the way for the successful relocation of Anambra State online digital assets (in line with Federal Government directives) to the “anambrastate.gov.ng” and “an.gov.ng” State owned domains.

13. Cybersecurity Enhancement

Currently, the ICT Agency is finalizing the implementation of a public cloud service that would secure Anambra State’s data locally, fortify cybersecurity, and save costs by consolidating the multiple cloud providers engaged by MDAs.

14. IT Project Standardization

In line with ANSEC directive, an ITPRS Portal has been established for the registration of external IT consultants. This platform ensures the digitalization and standardization of IT projects in the State, and issues certificates as proof of compliance to set standards.

15. GovTech Strategy Development

In response to Anambra State’s participation in a World Bank subnational Government GovTech Maturity Index survey, the ICT Agency developed an initial GovTech strategy framework. This framework has been designed to improve the State’s appeal to technology partners on a global scale.

16. Budget System Automation

The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has automated the State’s budget processes with support from the ICT Agency.

17. Development of the Anambra State Health Facilities Management System

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Agency has developed a platform to enhance healthcare administration and streamline the management of health facilities, ensuring efficient operations and improved delivery of healthcare services across the state.

18. Telemedicine Deployment

Currently working closely with the Ministry of Health to deploy a robust Telemedicine solution for the State.

19. Local Government Automation

The Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the ICT Agency is on an ongoing automation and digitization process of all 21 LGAs of the State. This automation process is about 75% completed and will be deployed within Q1 ’24.

20. Internship/Volunteers Partnership Programme

The Anambra ICT Agency is proud to have launched its Internship/Volunteers Partnership Programme tailored for ICT undergraduates and skilled IT professionals.

This initiative is currently ongoing and is aimed at fostering talent development and knowledge exchange. It provides a valuable platform for participants to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the state’s technological advancements.

21. Citizens Engagement Platform

The Anambra ICT Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning and the Strategy, Execution & Evaluation Office is developing a dynamic initiative designed to foster transparent communication between the government and citizens.

This digital platform will encourage active participation, feedback, and collaboration, providing a space for citizens to engage with government initiatives.

MDAs’ Support

All State MDAs are being supported by the ICT Agency with digital services and solutions. These services and solutions include among others, website creation, content management, and various technical assistance to facilitate the digitization of their operational procedures.

All of the above strides demonstrate Prof. Chukuwma Soludo (Mr Governor’s) unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation and embracing cutting-edge technologies, positioning Anambra State prominently on the global stage.

We are inspired to continue pushing forward to an even more exciting future, where the possibilities for digital transformation and innovation are endless for our dear State.  #EverythingTechnologyTechnologyEverywhere

Anambra will WIN!

Solution is Here!!!

The key elements driving the objective focus on open access deployment of fibre infrastructure, is to achieve high level of penetration across all geo-political zones, contribute to GDP growth and development of knowledge economy, provide commpetitive and affordable pricing, and ensure intelligent incentives to support industry players while equipping Nigeria with leading infrastructure in Africa.

The ultimate imperatives for this objective, is to realize affordable prizing, high speed connectivity, high level of coverage and targeted government support.

NCC made frantic and graphic representation of the mapping where the Commission would be responsible for provision of licenses, regulation of services, and facilitation of agreements.

This relationship was supposed to be guided by an industry structure of the open access model of the type being implemented in Australia which involves provision of non-discriminatory broadband access and services to end users, and provision of non-discriminatory equal wholesale broadband connectivity using active infrastructure, while NetCos build and operate passive infrastructure.

There is no gainsaying that global phenomenon such as the scissors effect and economic recession pose significant threat to the capacity to finance broadband infrastructure developments, especially for nationwide rollout. This, was probably chief among reasons NCC adopted the Open Access Model that would led to Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) rolling out services at regional approach with Lagos having a special attention.

Years down the line, State Governments seem to have orchestrated means to arm-twist the InfraCos thereby frustrating the NCC’s move.

Recall that NCC has gone ahead to license six (6) InfraCos across the six geo-political locations of Nigeria, with additional InfraCo to operate in Lagos.

MainOne (now an Equinix Company) and IHS Limited got the first two licenses to cover Lagos and the North Central zone including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) respectively in November 2014.

After about three years, IHS returned the license to the NCC over difficulties in securing the right of way approval to deploy infrastructure in the North Central Zone.

Other licensed InfraCos are Zinox Technology Limited for Southeast and Brinks Integrated Solutions Limited for Northeast.

O’dua Infraco Resources Limited is meant to serve the Southwest, Fleek Networks Limited for Northwest and Raeana Consortium Limited for South-South.

TechEconomy gathered that Broadbase Communications Limited last year picked up the license for parts of the North Central.

However, rolling out has not been easy for InfraCos despite a longer tenor and cheaper license costs.

The InfraCo license costs about N2.5 million for a 20-year period and is subject to renewals. However, there are other payments that follow such as administrative fees.

Until recently when some governors commenced a review of Right of Way (RoW) fees, the cheap licenses were undermined by huge RoW fees.

How States frustrate InfraCos

You remember this photograph, right?

Around January 2020, Prof. Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy,  and Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in Abuja, met with the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (he has since handed over as both Governor and the chairman of NGF).

The meeting, it was disclosed is a follow-up to discussions on how to address the issue of Right of Way (RoW) and other similar challenges confronting the telecoms industry.

Recall that 14 state governors and their agencies increased Right of Way charges, which is pegged at N145 per linear metre by the Federal Government. The states, according to reports are Lagos, Kano, Anambra, Ondo, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kaduna, Enugu, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Imo, Kebbi and Gombe.

This drew the ire of various stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology sector who described the action of these governors as an affront and disregards to an earlier resolution reached by the National Economic Council (NEC).

Well, there were some positives from Pantami and Danbatta’s neeting with the then NGF Chairman. However, an industry play (who prefers to remain anonymous) confided in TechEconomy that some States that had agreed either to bring RoW charges to N1 per linear meter or outright removal of the charges, have resorted to gimmicks to frustrate the operators.

For instance, an InfraCo has entered into agreement with a State in the Southern part of the country for possible collaboration to lay metro fibers. While the InfraCo has sourced fund and was ready to embark on the phase-by-phase deployment of fibre cables and building of ducts, the State, through its Agency, started rolling out such infrastructure.

The State, according to our source, insists that the InfraCo must patronize them or they will be frustrated from using the NCC InfraCo license to commence the process.

“And the price the State wants to rent the infrastructure to the InfraCo is very high. It is not acceptable. NCC needs to find another means to get the States to support the InfraCo model because as it is today everything is on a standstill”.

The InfraCo project, which has dragged on for over seven years now, has become a source of worry to the telecommunications industry. This is even as broadband penetration and speed continue to gallop.

“The slow take-off of the InfraCos can also be attributed to other challenges such as insecurity, foreign exchange (forex) inconsistencies; poor projected return on investments (RoI) because people’s purchasing power is getting lower. The truth is that some regions are less viable. You also have to consider the fact that licensees have not been able to access Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s N64 billion counterpart funding (subsidy) for the project.

In conclusion, NCC came up with a brilliant idea called InfraCos under its Open Access (infrastructure) Model and has gone ahead give license to operators for the Layer 1 (dark fibre) services on a commercial basis with a focus on the deployment of metropolitan fibre and transmission services, available at access points – Fibre-to-the-Node or neighbourhood (FTTN) – to seekers.

The InfraCo Project is considered as the beginning of the “Next Level” journey towards achieving the 120,000km target of fibre connectivity set by the current administration. However, we believe the lack of political will on the side of the States, among other challenges, must be urgently addressed so that the InfraCos can ‘commence’ business as expected.

Prof. Pantami said this while launching the World Development Report 2021 in Abuja.

The Minister who was represented by Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), described the theme of the event: “Leveraging data to foster development; Where does Nigeria Stand?” as not just exciting but also thoughts provoking.

While reacting to the question regarding “where Nigeria stands”, the Minister noted that the country stands at a crossroad, between harnessing the value of data for development and avoiding its perils.

“President Muhammadu Buhari re-designated and expanded the mandate of our ministry from Ministry of Communications to Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy because Communication is just technology which is just an enabler, and can be used as a means to an end, while the end is how you can use technology to enhance your economy. This will help us create the value”.

While alluding to the observations captured in the report which indicate that Nigeria appears to be struggling in terms of the usage, Prof. Pantami acknowledged the fact that under the formulated National Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria, the Nation has an ambitious target to achieve a lot in terms of building trust, being equitable, especially in the area of safeguarding data and infrastructure among others.

“For example, we have an ambition to achieve 95% broadband penetration by 2030. How can we ignite the usage of that broadband, and how can we increase the coverage as well. The government is doing a lot in that aspect. Moreso, it has issued InfraCo (Infrastructure Companies) License to Private Companies to deepen the penetration”.

According to The Communications and Digital Economy Boss, NITDA’s ambitious target of achieving 95% Digital Literacy by 2030 is expected to also help the usage as there is a dire need for Nigerians to fully understand the technology in order to embrace it and use it.

He expressed the hope that with the support of World Development Bank as well as other partners, the seemingly ambitious target will be achieved in the long run.

“We want every Nigerian to be able to use his/her mobile phone, computers, and other digital devices to access digital services as well as to use it for economic activities”.

The Minister disclosed that within a year, NITDA, which is a parastatal under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has been able to impact 1.6million Nigerians in terms of basic digital literacy as well as discovering, building and hatching talents; adding that the Agency would be unveiling another initiative on training 1million developers within a year in Nigeria.

“We know there is challenge gap, and we know we need to bridge the gap and build capacity in the country so that our people can build applications that can easily be used by our citizens because it’ll be easier for us to build our services than to buy off the shelf services. We need services that can easily be used in the different Nigerian languages and English as well as something that can easily connect with our people in terms of our culture and value. We are doing a lot on that and we’re looking forward to your partnership in digital literacy”.

He made reference to the impact made by Digital Identity which is anchored by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), confirming that what the commission has achieved within one and a half years is more than what has been achieved in the past 10years in terms of Digital Identity.

“When you are online, you need to be identified and the only way to achieve that is digital identity, we want every citizen to be identified online and offline”.

In the area of Data Protection, the Minister made it clear that the Federal Government established the National Data Protection Bureau to make sure the data protection is independent from any agency, stressing that the establishment has helped immensely to achieve more in terms of safeguarding and enabling the regulations.

“The government is trying to make sure everyone is carried along. I think the insight we got from the presentation is quite impressive, we will look at where we need to improve and where we need to consolidate on our achievement so that we can make sure every Nigerian benefit from digital economy and every Nigerian knows how to use data for good. For the big tech, we are working with them to make sure they use data for profit and for humanity as well. We are working with them to come up with a code of practice as well as trying to come up with a law that will safeguard every Nigerian using digital platform because”.

Prof. Pantami commended the World Bank Group Flagship Report and sued for commitment from stakeholders towards harnessing the value of data to create prosperity for all.

Speaking earlier, the Country Director of World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri said the body’s mandate is to work with the Government of Nigeria and help line up support in delivering for the Nigerian people, concessional financing both at the Federal and sub-national level.

Chaudhuri emphasized that the projects are basically World Bank supported Nigerian programmes and not World Bank’s as usually misconstrued in some quarters.

He expressed certainty that the potentials of Nigeria will come to fruition if all hands are on deck. While describing Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy with huge potentials and market, he said the organization is willing to not just support the country financially but also contribute in other key areas, including institutional reforms and Policies.